Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Blender change the Anthropic AI funding deal, with discussions planned for AI Policies
The Blender Foundation has altered its sponsorship deal with Anthropic following backlash, with Anthropic's funding now being a direct donation without sponsorship status. The foundation will also strengthen its processes for accepting donations and develop formal policies regarding generative AI technologies. Blender currently has no plans to integrate generative AI functionality into its software.
Two More High-Profile Games Say No To GenAI
Developers IO Interactive have confirmed that their upcoming James Bond title, 007: First Light, will not utilize generative AI technologies. This decision follows a similar stance from the developers of Subnautica 2, indicating a growing trend among studios to avoid AI in game creation.
Subnautica 2 dev confirms there's no gen AI "at all" in its survival sequel
Unknown Worlds has confirmed that Subnautica 2 will not use generative AI in its development, despite publisher Krafton's interest in AI-first technology. Creative Media Producer Scott MacDonald stated that the studio chose not to use these tools as they do not suit their pipeline or creative vision. This clarification comes as the game approaches its Early Access launch.
Subnautica 2 devs won't touch generative AI despite "AI first" pivot at owner Krafton: "It's interesting technology, but it's not something we're using"
Developer Unknown Worlds has confirmed that generative AI was not used in the development of Subnautica 2, despite its owner Krafton describing itself as an "AI first" company. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions and concerns about AI's role in game development and a legal dispute involving Krafton leadership.
Despite Krafton's "AI-first" ambitions, absolutely no generative AI has been involved in Subnautica 2: "It's not something we're using at all"
Despite publisher Krafton's stated "AI-first" ambitions, developer Unknown Worlds confirmed that no generative AI has been used in the creation of Subnautica 2. Creative media producer Scott MacDonald and design lead Anthony Gallegos clarified that any AI mentioned in the game refers to traditional, programmer-created creature AI, not generative tools. While Krafton made AI tools available, the team opted not to use them for Subnautica 2, believing it would be disruptive to their development process.
Petit Planet preview: HoYoverse's first foray into family-friendly games is very careful to colour within the lines
Petit Planet, HoYoverse's first family-friendly social simulation game, offers a sci-fantasy take on the genre but largely sticks to established formulas, drawing heavy comparisons to Animal Crossing. While the game is visually appealing and relaxing, it struggles to present a unique selling proposition beyond its aesthetic. The article also touches on HoYoverse's use of generative AI in development and the potential implications of the studio, known for its gacha-monetized live-service games, targeting a younger audience.
GameMaker incorporates Claude Code to enable AI-assisted workflows
GameMaker has launched a new runtime and command line toolchain (GM-CLI) that integrates Anthropic's Claude Code. This allows developers to use natural language prompts for tasks like querying project structures, debugging, and managing build configurations, facilitating AI-assisted workflows. GameMaker owner Opera emphasizes that these AI tools are complementary and opt-in for users.
"The thematics of Bond are often: beware of utopia" - 007: First Light art director says developer IO Interactive hasn't used any generative AI to make it
IO Interactive's art director Rasmus Poulsen confirmed that the upcoming James Bond game, 007: First Light, is not using generative AI in its development. This stance aligns with other developers like Rebel Wolves, who have also stated their games are not created with generative AI. The discussion highlights the ongoing debate surrounding AI's role in game creation, with some advocating for its use as a tool to assist developers rather than replace them.
"The thematics of Bond are often: beware of utopia" - 007: First Light art director says developer IO Interactive hasn't used any generative AI to make it
IO Interactive's art director Rasmus Poulsen stated that the developer has not used generative AI in the creation of the upcoming James Bond game, 007: First Light. This stance aligns with other developers like Rebel Wolves, who have also confirmed no generative AI use. The discussion touches on the broader industry debate surrounding AI's role in game development and its potential impact on employment.
Facepunch Studios issues response to AI slop in its new game S&box
Facepunch Studios has responded to user criticism regarding the use of generative AI in its new game, S&box. The game, developed by the creators of Garry's Mod, has faced mixed reviews on Steam, with players expressing concerns about the AI implementation.
As Garry's Mod successor quickly becomes overrun with gen-AI after launching on Steam, Garry himself commits to "taking action to promote human creativity"
Garry Newman, creator of Garry's Mod and founder of Facepunch Studios, has stated that the company does not encourage the use of generative AI in their new game development tool, S&box. The game, which recently launched on Steam, has seen a rapid influx of AI-generated content, leading to mixed reviews and calls from players to filter out such submissions. Newman emphasized a commitment to promoting human creativity amidst concerns about AI's growing presence in creative outlets.
Witcher 3 Director Says Studios Should Embrace GenAI, But Not To Replace People
The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz stated that game studios should embrace generative AI to assist developers, not replace them. His studio, Rebel Wolves, used AI for early voice work in The Blood of Dawnwalker but confirmed no AI-generated assets will be in the final game. The discussion also touched on the controversial use of AI in other titles like Crimson Desert and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
GitHub Copilot is pivoting to usage-based billing after becoming unsustainable
GitHub Copilot is transitioning to a usage-based billing model starting June 1, 2026, as the current premium request model is no longer sustainable due to escalating inference costs. The new system will align pricing with actual usage, incorporating a monthly allotment of AI Credits with options to purchase more, calculated based on token consumption.
"This isn’t just something that affects Wizards of the Coast" - Magic: the Gathering Arena team vote to unionise for protection against layoffs, genAI and forced crunch
Developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena at Wizards of the Coast are organizing to unionize with the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The union aims to secure better protections against layoffs, address generative AI usage, and prevent mandatory crunch. This move follows similar unionization efforts in the gaming industry and aims to give workers more say in workplace conditions and equity.
Magic: The Gathering Arena devs are unionizing to deliver genAI and layoff protections
Developers of Magic: The Gathering Arena at Wizards of the Coast are seeking to unionize under the Communications Workers of America. The group, calling themselves United Wizards of the Coast—CWA, has requested voluntary recognition from Wizards of the Coast and its parent company Hasbro. They are seeking protections regarding layoffs, remote work, workloads, career pathways, and the use of generative AI tools.
Microsoft will reportedly invite 7% of their US workers to retire early, as the Xbox division talk up "strong cost discipline"
Microsoft is reportedly offering a voluntary early retirement program to approximately 7% of its US-based employees, targeting those at senior director level and below whose age and years of service total 70 or more. This initiative, aimed at achieving 'strong cost discipline' within the Xbox division and the wider company, follows previous rounds of layoffs. Executive VP Amy Coleman stated the program offers eligible employees a choice for their next step with company support.
Big Tech openly wants to manipulate us with AI. That seems bad to me
This opinion piece argues that the tech industry's push for generative AI, particularly for hyperpersonalization in gaming, is manipulative and ethically questionable. It criticizes the use of AI to predict player churn and adjust gameplay or offers in real-time to increase spending, comparing it to creating 'psychological prisons.' The author contrasts this with developers who prioritize enriching players' lives through game creation, even if it means less profit.
Mass Effect spiritual successor The Expanse: Osiris Reborn launches closed beta
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a spiritual successor to Mass Effect from developer Owlcat Games, has launched its closed beta. Access is currently limited to players who purchase the 'Miller's Pack' for $80 USD or higher editions. The beta features the game's second mission, offering a glimpse into combat and player choice, with the full release planned for 2027.
The makers of Playdate, the console-with-a-crank, will no longer accept games created with generative AI
Panic Inc, the creators of the Playdate handheld console, have announced that games utilizing generative AI for art, audio, music, text, or dialogue will no longer be accepted on the Playdate Catalog store. This policy change aims to address concerns surrounding the use of AI in game development, though custom-written AI functions within games are still permitted. Existing titles that used AI will remain but will be flagged.
Instantale, an LLM-Driven RPG Where Everything Is Dynamically Generated
Indie developer Daruma to Akabeko announced that Instantale, an LLM-driven roguelike RPG, will be released on the Epic Games Store in Summer 2026. The game features dynamically generated worlds, characters, and events powered by generative AI, offering a unique experience for each player. Previously, the game faced distribution issues on Steam due to its use of live AI.