Game publisher Hooded Horse has taken a strong stance against generative AI in game development. CEO Tim Bender expressed concerns that this technology complicates the creative process. He stated that their contracts prohibit developers from using any generative AI assets, even as placeholders.
Bender worries that placeholder assets could accidentally end up in the final product. He referenced past issues with projects like *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, where such oversights occurred. He said, “We talk to developers and urge them not to use any generative AI during development.” The risk, he argues, is too high, as just one AI-generated asset slipping through can cause problems later.
The role of AI in gaming has sparked much debate. While Hooded Horse avoids it, many large companies are exploring its uses. Nexon, for instance, claims every game company likely implements some form of AI. Embark Studios, known for *Arc Raiders*, uses AI for voice lines but insists it won’t replace human developers. Sega is also experimenting with AI to streamline production but acknowledges the pushback from creators.
Phil Rogers, the new CEO of Embracer Group, describes AI as “powerful” but underscores that “human authorship is final.” Meanwhile, Dan Houser, a veteran from Rockstar, shares that while he’s trying AI, its effectiveness is often overstated. Meanwhile, voice actor Troy Baker suggests the industry shouldn’t demonize AI, as it lacks true artistic ability. Charles Cecil from Revolution Software called his use of AI in the remake of *Broken Sword* “an expensive mistake.”
There are also industry-wide reactions. Platforms like Steam label AI-generated games, a move Epic’s Tim Sweeney argues against, saying it “makes no sense.” In 2025, the U.S. Copyright Office announced that art created by generative AI, lacking human creativity, won’t be eligible for copyright protection—a significant legal shift.
Joost van Dreunen, an expert from NYU, recently stated, “Nobody wants AI slop.” This sentiment reflects a broader skepticism about generative AI’s value in creative fields. Despite the mixed opinions, the push for AI in gaming continues to evolve, shaped by both excitement and wariness.
