Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Neverness to Everness Developer Responds to Generative AI Controversy Saying Small Parts of The Game Used
Hotta Studio has responded to controversy surrounding the use of generative AI in their game Neverness to Everness. The developer acknowledged using AI-assisted tools for a small number of background and environmental assets, but not for characters or story elements. The studio is reviewing and reworking flagged assets, including those in "Clear Skies in Summer" and "Pink Paws Heist," and encourages player feedback for future changes.
Xbox appoints new internal leaders and ditches Copilot AI
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced the company is discontinuing its Copilot generative AI features on mobile and halting development for consoles. This decision aligns with a broader strategic shift under Sharma's leadership, which also includes new internal leadership appointments aimed at increasing speed and community connection. Several executives from Microsoft and other tech companies have been brought in to bolster Xbox's product, engineering, and growth teams.
Streamers And Voice Actors Refuse To Work With Popular New Gacha Game Over Gen AI Concerns
The new gacha game Neverness to Everness is facing backlash from streamers and a voice actor due to concerns over the use of generative AI in its assets. Streamers like Ironmouse and Shylily have distanced themselves from the game, with Ironmouse stating her team was misled about the AI usage. Voice actor Meggie-Elise has also stated she will not continue work if the AI usage is not addressed.
Apple Intelligence will reportedly let you choose third-party AI models in iOS 27
Apple is reportedly planning to allow users to choose third-party AI models for its upcoming iOS 17, iPadOS, and macOS operating systems. This move would enable greater flexibility in generative AI capabilities on Apple devices.
Sniper Elite Studio Has No Plans To Use Generative AI In Games, But The Conversation "Should Be More Nuanced," Says CEO
Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley stated the studio has no plans to use generative AI in its games, but believes the industry conversation around the technology needs to be more nuanced. He suggested AI could be used as a tool to speed up iteration and assist with tasks like creating collision boxes or performing large-scale QA testing, acting as a 'force multiplier for creativity' rather than a replacement for human developers.
"They responded only to the press": Wizards of the Coast miss deadline for recognising Magic: The Gathering Arena union
Wizards of the Coast has missed a deadline to voluntarily recognize the union formed by Magic: The Gathering Arena developers. The union, United Wizards of the Coast—CWA, claims management has only responded to press inquiries and is now awaiting a National Labor Relations Board petition. The union aims to address issues like layoffs, return-to-office mandates, and generative AI adoption.
'I did catch my son using an eyebrow pencil to draw a moustache on his face, and it verified him as 15 years old': New report details the effects of the Online Safety Act thus far
A new report from Internet Matters indicates that children are finding creative ways to bypass the UK's Online Safety Act age verification measures, with some using makeup to appear older. Despite these bypasses, a majority of children desire improved blocking and reporting systems. The report also highlights parental support for a potential ban on social media for under-16s, similar to Australia's recent legislation.
Borderlands 4 Studio Has a “No AI in Any Work That Could Ever be Seen by Any Customer” Policy
Gearbox Entertainment CEO Randy Pitchford stated that the studio has a strict policy against using generative AI in any work that could be seen by customers. This comes amid broader industry discussions about AI in game development, with figures like Todd Howard from Bethesda Game Studios also expressing caution. While some studios are exploring AI for prototyping, Gearbox maintains a firm stance on artistic intention and customer-facing content.
Atomic Heart 2, The Cube Developer Isn’t Integrating Generative AI in its Tools
Mundfish, the developer of Atomic Heart and the upcoming Atomic Heart 2 and The Cube, has stated they are not currently integrating generative AI tools into their development pipeline. CEO Robert Bagratuni emphasized a balance between technology and human creativity, though the studio continues to monitor AI advancements. The studio is developing Atomic Heart 2 using Unreal Engine 5 and plans to expand RPG mechanics.
Randy Pitchford says Gearbox has a firm no-AI policy after posting an AI-generated image of an AI working at Gearbox
Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford stated the company has a strict no-AI policy for any customer-facing work, following backlash from an AI-generated image he posted. Pitchford clarified that the image was a personal experiment to highlight the absurdity of AI identity and not indicative of company practices. He also denied accusations that recent Borderlands patch notes were AI-generated, attributing any errors to human mistakes.
The MOP Up: Subnautica 2 just says no to gen AI
Unknown Worlds has confirmed that Subnautica 2 will not use generative AI, with all development being handled by traditional methods. The article also rounds up other recent gaming news, including delays for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, updates for Dungeon Fighter Online and SMITE 2, and new content for Hearthstone and PSO2.
007 First Light Doesn’t Use Generative AI, as Art Director Says “Beware of Utopia”
IO Interactive has confirmed that its upcoming game, 007 First Light, does not utilize generative AI in its development, despite its plot exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and defense companies. Art director Rasmus Poulsen stated that the team engaged in extensive discussions regarding the use of AI. The game, which serves as a new origin story for James Bond, is set to launch on May 27th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
The Oscars bans generative AI in acting and writing categories
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, known as the Oscars, has updated its eligibility rules to ban generative AI in acting and writing categories. Roles must be demonstrably performed by humans with consent, and screenplays must be human-authored to be considered.
New Oscars rules ban Generative AI from ever being eligible for an Academy Award
The Academy has updated its rules for the upcoming 99th Academy Awards, officially banning generative AI-generated actors and screenplays from being eligible for any awards. New guidelines specify that only roles demonstrably performed by humans with their consent and human-authored screenplays will be considered.
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.
