Manor Lords publisher Hooded Horse has declared it will not collaborate with game studios that integrate generative AI into their development processes. CEO Tim Bender articulated this firm stance, stating the technology has made their operations more difficult and is explicitly prohibited in publishing contracts.
This policy extends even to placeholder content, a critical detail highlighting the publisher’s deep concerns. Bender fears AI-generated assets could inadvertently slip into final game builds, compromising quality and intellectual property integrity, as seen in past industry incidents.
The company’s position underscores a growing tension within the gaming sector regarding AI’s role. While some major players embrace generative AI for efficiency, others, like Hooded Horse, view its unchecked use as a significant risk to creative output and project management.
The gaming industry’s split on generative AI
The adoption of generative AI has sparked intense debate across the video game industry, creating a clear divide among developers and publishers. Hooded Horse’s outright ban stands in contrast to companies like Nexon, which uses AI for elements such as voice lines in games like Arc Raiders, believing its adoption is inevitable.
Sega has expressed interest in AI for development efficiency, acknowledging strong resistance from some quarters. Meanwhile, Embracer Group CEO Phil Rogers sees AI as a powerful tool but emphasizes the irreplaceable role of human authorship. Even Rockstar veteran Dan Houser uses AI, though he notes its current limitations.
Concerns over AI’s impact on creative roles are widespread, with voice actor Troy Baker arguing AI cannot create art and Revolution Software’s Charles Cecil calling his AI use in a Broken Sword remake an expensive mistake. Platforms like Steam now tag AI-generated games, a move Epic’s Tim Sweeney questions, while the US Copyright Office has ruled that AI art lacking human creativity cannot be copyrighted, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz.
Preventing ‘AI slop’ in game development
Hooded Horse’s stringent policy aims to prevent what data specialist and NYU professor Joost van Dreunen termed “AI slop” – low-quality, generic content. The publisher’s CEO, Tim Bender, described generative AI as “cancerous” due to the constant vigilance required to prevent its accidental inclusion in games.
This proactive measure reflects a commitment to maintaining high standards for the titles they publish, including the highly anticipated Manor Lords. By pre-emptively excluding AI-reliant studios, Hooded Horse seeks to protect its reputation and ensure the authenticity and originality of the games it brings to market.
The publisher’s stance may influence other companies to re-evaluate their own policies, especially as the debate around AI’s ethical and practical implications in creative industries continues to evolve. This decision sets a precedent for how some publishers might navigate the complexities of emerging technologies in gaming.
The long-term effects of such a firm position remain to be seen, but it clearly signals a preference for human-driven creativity and meticulous oversight in game development. It also highlights the growing importance of defining clear boundaries for AI use as the technology becomes more sophisticated.
