Games Workshop, the studio behind the tabletop wargame Warhammer, has revealed its official stance on generative AI. GenAI use in video game development is on the rise, with both triple-A and indie devs using it to create art, voice acting, and other assets for their games.
Not everyone is impressed by the promises of generative AI to the gaming industry, though. Games Workshop CEO Kevin Rountree, in the company’s biannual investor report (spotted by Polygon), confirmed that its internal policy on AI is “very cautious, e.g. we do not allow AI generated content or AI to be used in our design processes.”
Warhammer Confirms It’s Against AI
At Least In Most Cases
Rountree begins his statement on AI by admitting that it’s “a very broad topic,” and that he’s “not an expert on it.” Apparently, a handful of senior managers at Games Workshop have been monitoring the situation, tracking what genAI is and isn’t capable of doing, but “none are that excited about it yet.”
As a result, Rountree says, Games Workshop has adopted a policy that prohibits the use of AI in its design or game materials. This policy includes “its unauthorized use outside of GW,” which includes competitive Warhammer events. Although not specifically mentioned in the report, this likely extends to spinoffs like the upcoming CRPG Dark Heresy as well.
Neither he nor Games Workshop are totally counting out the use of generative AI in the future. But, Rountree says, “we have also agreed we will be maintaining a strong commitment to protect our intellectual property and respect our human creators… Talented and passionate individuals that make Warhammer the rich, evocative IP that… we all love.”
Artificial Intelligence Remains A Thorny Subject
Love It Or Hate It
AI has become a sticking point for many in and adjacent to the gaming industry. Just last week, the largely AI-generated Hardest announced its impending deletion from Steam, after its creator Eero Laine had a change of heart regarding the environmental and economic impacts of generative AI.
Last year, games like Black Ops 7, ARC Raiders, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 attracted controversy for their genAI use. And Baldur’s Gate 3 developer Larian recently faced backlash when its CEO announced that they were using AI as a research tool in the creation of concept art.
Larian has since banned the use of AI in the development of Divinity, similar to Games Workshop, while Clair Obscur devs Sandfall Interactive has removed AI-generated assets from the game, claiming they were placeholder textures always intended for deletion.
Wherever you land on the AI-in-gaming debate, though, it’s hard to find fault with Rountree’s statement. He’s keeping the possibility of AI use open, although no one at the company is impressed enough to adopt it yet. But at the same time, it’s refreshing to hear such an unambiguous commitment to protecting the artists, designers, and writers who make Warhammer what it is.
- Created by
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Rick Priestley
- Character(s)
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The Emperor of Mankind, Horus Lupercal, Roboute Guilliman, Abaddon the Despoiler, Eldrad Ulthran, Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka, Farsight, Trazyn the Infinite
- Video Game(s)
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Space Hulk, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn Of War, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War – Dark Crusade, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 2, Warhammer 40,000: Kill Team, Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine, Warhammer 40,000: Armageddon, Warhammer 40,000: Storm of Vengeance, Space Hulk: Ascension, Warhammer 40,000: Deathwatch, Space Hulk: Deathwing, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3, Warhammer 40,000: Sanctus Reach, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr, Warhammer 40,000: Gladius – Relics of War, Warhammer 40000 Mechanicus, Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2, Necromunda, Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters, Warhammer 40,000: Tacticus, Warhammer 40,000: Shootas, Blood & Teef, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, Warhammer 40,000: Warpforge
Warhammer 40,000, often abbreviated as Warhammer 40K or simply 40K, is a miniature wargame produced by Games Workshop. Set in a dystopian science-fantasy universe, it is the most popular miniature wargame globally. Players enact battles using miniature models of warriors and vehicles on a tabletop battlefield. Since its first edition in 1987, the franchise has expanded into various media, including novels, video games, and board games.
