Games Workshop, the iconic company behind titles like Blood Bowl and various contributions to the Warhammer franchise, has reaffirmed its stance regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its creative processes.
In its recent financial report, CEO Kevin Rountree emphasized that “AI-generated content is not allowed nor its use in our design processes”. This measure has sparked lines of debate about the role that AI could play in the video game and tabletop game development industry.
The most successful secondary line joins the fight against AI
Jervis Johnson, a renowned game designer who worked for nearly four decades at Games Workshop, supported the company’s decision. Johnson, known for being the creator of Blood Bowl and for his involvement in projects like Necromunda and Warhammer 40,000, stated that AI does not contribute to the creation of high-quality creative work.
According to him, while technology can produce content that is “acceptable at an average level,” it does not meet professional standards. In his opinion, AI can encourage laziness among designers, pushing them not to strive hard enough for innovation.
Johnson’s concern is not unfounded, as he has compared AI to the asbestos of the tech industry: something that could be harmful in the long run. Additionally, he points out that, in his experience, most AI applications do not meet the expectations generated around this technology, which raises questions about its impact on the future of digital entertainment.
The debate about AI in video game development and board game design continues, especially in a field as creative as that of Games Workshop. Although there are rumors about the possible adoption of AI in other areas, the company has chosen to take firm steps to preserve the quality and creativity of its products.
