The publisher known for popular strategy games like Endless Legend 2 and Manor Lords has taken a bold stand against artificial intelligence in its products. Hooded Horse has officially banned the use of AI-generated assets, labeling them as 'cancerous' for the gaming industry.
CEO Tim Bender expressed his frustrations regarding AI-generated content, stating that the ban is now a standard clause in every contract the company signs. In a recent interview, he remarked, "It is now written into our contracts if we’re publishing the game, 'no f**king AI assets.'" He elaborated that AI usage complicates workflows and creates more hurdles for developers.
The implementation of AI-generated assets is a growing concern for many in the industry. Bender highlighted the challenges of monitoring their use, noting that even assets intended as placeholders can inadvertently make it into final products. As he stated, "We’re constantly having to watch and deal with it and try to prevent it from slipping in, because it’s cancerous." This meticulous oversight stems from previous incidents, such as Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 losing its Indie Game of the Year award due to undisclosed AI assets.
As debates about generative AI's role in gaming intensify, other developers face scrutiny as well. Baldur's Gate 3's use of AI drew backlash from players, leading to clarifications from the game's CEO, while other titles like Lies of P promote their use of AI to improve productivity. The conversation continues to evolve, with even prominent voices like Pope Leo advocating for moral responsibility in AI development.
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