Hooded Horse CEO's Unwavering Stance Against AI-Generated Art in Gaming

Uncompromising Vision: Zero Tolerance for AI Art in Game Development

The Industry's Divided Approach to Generative AI Art

Across the gaming landscape, companies exhibit diverse strategies concerning the adoption of generative AI. Certain entities, like Electronic Arts, have openly embraced this technological frontier, actively exploring its potential applications. Conversely, developers such as Larian adopt a more cautious and deliberate methodology, carefully weighing the implications of AI integration. Standing distinctly apart, Hooded Horse, under the leadership of CEO Tim Bender, has declared an unequivocal rejection of generative AI art, a position he candidly conveyed in a recent interview.

A CEO's Strong Disapproval of AI-Generated Content

Tim Bender has not minced words in expressing his profound disdain for AI-generated art, characterizing its presence as a complicating factor that undesirably permeates the creative process. He firmly stated that all publishing contracts with Hooded Horse now contain explicit clauses prohibiting the inclusion of any AI-generated assets. This policy reflects a deep-seated belief that such content can be detrimental to the integrity and quality of their games.

Preventing the Unwanted Infiltration of AI Art in Game Production

The challenge of completely excluding AI-generated art is substantial, especially given that some studios, including well-known names like Larian and Sandfall Interactive, utilize generative AI during pre-production phases, often for placeholder content to expedite development. Bender, however, cautions against this practice, urging developers to refrain from using AI even for temporary assets. He stresses the inherent risk that these placeholders could inadvertently bypass review processes and end up in the final product, likening such occurrences to a "cancerous" element.

Illustrative Incidents of AI Art's Unintended Appearance

The concerns raised by Bender are not merely hypothetical; there have been documented instances where AI-generated placeholders have made their way into released games. Ubisoft, for example, had to swiftly rectify an issue in Anno 117 after AI art inadvertently appeared in the live version. In an even more high-profile case, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a highly anticipated title, faced significant repercussions, including the retraction of two Indie Game Awards, when it was discovered to have launched with generative AI art still present in its final build. These incidents highlight the tangible challenges and potential pitfalls associated with managing AI-generated content in game development.