Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Saber CEO scorns writer who says she was fired in favor of AI with confusing, combative statement
Saber Interactive is facing controversy after writer Stella Sacco claimed she was fired from the upcoming game Rideshare Stimulator in favor of AI. The publisher denied this, stating the story was written by humans, but CEO Matt Karch's combative response, which mentioned using AI and replacing Sacco with someone more talented, has drawn criticism. Karch also claimed Sacco violated a confidentiality agreement by discussing the AI use.
Twitch under fire for new gen AI training system that harvests streamer data for Amazon, says it's on by default because 'if it was opt-in, nobody would opt in'
Twitch has drawn criticism for its new generative AI training system, which uses streamer content by default for Amazon's AI models. The company's chief product officer, Mike Minton, admitted that the opt-in system was set to default because "if it was opt-in, nobody would opt in." Streamers and industry figures like Mike Futter have raised concerns about data privacy and the potential implications for game developers whose content might be used without explicit consent.
Echoing Palworld dev, video game lawyer says all her clients have anti-AI contracts because gamers hate it and it's a copyright landmine: "I think we're going to see lawsuits"
Video game lawyer Haley MacLean reports that nearly all her clients now include anti-generative AI clauses in their contracts due to widespread gamer disapproval and significant copyright concerns. She highlights the legal risks, including potential lawsuits over ownership and infringement, advising studios to avoid the technology altogether. The trend reflects a growing industry-wide caution regarding AI's use in game development and asset creation.
Twitch streamers can now refuse to let Amazon train its genAI models on their content
Twitch has introduced an opt-out toggle allowing streamers to prevent their content from being used to train Amazon's generative AI models. This feature provides streamers with control over how their data is utilized for AI development.
One Man, Zero Reporters: The AI Newsroom That Beat Journalists to a Black Hat Scoop
An AI-powered newsroom called RuntimeWire, run by Ryan Merket without human reporters, reportedly beat professional journalists to a story from the Black Hat security conference by over three hours. Merket's AI agents handle story sourcing, drafting, editing, and even legal risk assessment, with the entire operation costing around $100 per day. The article questions the journalistic integrity of such AI-driven newsrooms, highlighting concerns about prose quality and ethical considerations despite the speed and cost-effectiveness.
Developers expect generative AI to impact roles and team sizes in the next three years
A survey of 100 Gamescom Dev speakers indicates that 83 percent expect generative AI to impact team sizes and productivity within the next three years. While 36 percent believe AI will change roles rather than reduce teams, 33 percent anticipate smaller team sizes. Companies like Capcom and Owlcat Games are exploring genAI for production speed, though backlash has occurred for studios like Pearl Abyss, Ubisoft, and 11 Bit Studios regarding disclosure.
Saber admit Rideshare "Stimulator" features generative AI writing, but deny they replaced taxi game's lead writer with ChatGPT
Saber Interactive has admitted that its upcoming game, Rideshare Simulator, features generative AI for its free-ride mode, despite not disclosing this on its Steam page, which contravenes Valve's AI policy. The game's former lead writer, Stella Sacco, claimed she was replaced by ChatGPT midway through development, a statement Saber denies, asserting that the main story was written by humans and their writing staff has tripled.
Saber Interactive "replaced me with ChatGPT midway through development" but AI use is not disclosed on Steam,…
Publisher Saber Interactive is accused of extensively using generative AI, including ChatGPT, in its upcoming driving simulator "Rideshare Stimulator," allegedly replacing staff without proper disclosure on Steam. Former lead writer Stella Sacco claims she was replaced by AI midway through development, and that passenger voices were also AI-generated. Valve requires disclosure for AI-generated content shipped with games, a requirement that appears to have been missed for "Rideshare Stimulator."
Apple may introduce a photo authentication tool in iOS 27
Apple is reportedly considering the introduction of a photo authentication tool in iOS 17. This feature could potentially serve as a method to verify the authenticity of images in response to the rise of generative AI technologies.
With gen AI assets cut from Assassin's Creed creator's new game demo, lead admits "we didn't even realize it was AI anymore because we were used to seeing it"
Patrice Désilets, former lead of Assassin's Creed, has committed to removing all AI-generated assets from his new game, 1666: Amsterdam, following player concerns. The developer apologized for the oversight, stating that the AI art was not sufficiently retouched and will not be present in the final product. The game is set to launch into Early Access on PC via Steam on August 25.
Black Myth: Zhong Kui Studio is Avoiding the Use of Generative AI for Design, Asset Production
Game Science, the studio behind Black Myth: Wukong and Black Myth: Zhong Kui, is intentionally avoiding the use of generative AI for design and asset production in its upcoming title, Black Myth: Zhong Kui. Co-founder Yang Qi stated the team prefers to rely on its own methods, though they are not entirely opposed to the technology. The studio also confirmed that Black Myth: Zhong Kui will feature a new protagonist based on the mythological exorcist Zhong Kui, rather than being a DLC for Black Myth: Wukong.
"Ideas like this usually just die": Inside generative AI’s effect on modding, and how host sites struggle to maintain transparency
The article explores the growing impact of generative AI on game modding, particularly for titles like Skyrim, and the challenges faced by platforms like Nexus Mods in maintaining transparency. Modders are increasingly using AI for voice generation, art, and even code, leading to debates about disclosure and ethical use. Nexus Mods has updated its tagging system to better categorize AI-assisted and AI-generated content, but the lines remain blurred, posing difficulties for both creators and users.
Adobe's new ChatGPT plugin brings 70 of its tools to OpenAI's chatbot
Adobe is integrating 70 of its tools into OpenAI's ChatGPT through a new plugin, signaling a continued focus on generative AI. This move allows users to leverage Adobe's creative capabilities directly within the chatbot interface.
Stellar Blade boss completely misses the point of why people are upset with Blood Rain's AI slop video: 'The…
ShiftUp CEO Hyung Tae Kim addressed backlash over the AI-generated marketing video for Stellar Blade: Blood Rain, stating that the character Evie was created by artists and AI only rendered her. The article argues that the extensive use of AI in other aspects of the video, including the song, undermines the game's image and cheapens the overall presentation, despite the company's talented composers and artists.
AI startup Reforged Labs shuts down as the "gap we were selling into is closing"
AI startup Reforged Labs, which provided generative AI technology for mobile game marketing, is shutting down after three years. Despite signing six-figure contracts with major clients like Supercell and Ubisoft, the company struggled to scale beyond the gaming sector. CEO Robert Huynh cited the closing gap in AI capabilities as a factor, leading to the decision to cease operations rather than shrink the business.
OpenAI CEO suggests parents make AI-generated podcasts to remember their children's lives for them
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggested using generative AI to create personalized podcasts for parents to remember their children's lives. This idea, shared on X, has drawn significant criticism, with many users questioning the need to delegate family connection to AI and highlighting the importance of direct human interaction.
Evening Reading - July 31, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers several industry updates, including PlayStation's cautious approach to ending physical disc support, Razer's acquisition of StreamElements, and Unity supplying Netflix Games with a dedicated engine. Nexus Mods updated its guidelines for generative AI tagging, Dragon's Dogma 2 will feature a Hard Mode, and various download deals are available for PlayStation and PC.
Nexus Mods announces updated guidelines on generative AI tagging & moderation
Nexus Mods has implemented updated guidelines for generative AI content, introducing new categories and emphasizing proper tagging to avoid moderation actions. The platform aims to clarify the nature of AI-generated mods and prevent misuse of its tagging system.
Square Enix Says Controversial Kingdom Hearts Collection Art Was the Result of 'Human Error,' Not Generative AI
Square Enix has stated that the controversial key art for the Kingdom Hearts Collection 1-3 was a result of human error, not generative AI. The company clarified that no AI-generated materials were used in the artwork.
Nexus Mods update their generative AI-made mod tagging policy, dividing one label into three for more specific search filtering
Nexus Mods has updated its policy for tagging mods created using generative AI, dividing the single 'AI-Generated Content' tag into three more specific labels: 'AI-Generated Content', 'AI Media', and 'AI Assisted'. This change aims to provide more nuance for users filtering mods and improve the accuracy of tagging, with miscategorized mods now being a breach of terms of service.
