As Nexon's CEO claims every game company uses AI, indie developers are drawing a line in the sand, insisting human creativity remains the standard.
The gaming world is locked in a contentious debate over artificial intelligence after Nexon CEO Junghun Lee declared that "every game company is now using AI" in game development. The statement came as a defense of Embark Studios' use of generative AI for voice work in Arc Raiders, following backlash over the studio's earlier use of the technology in The Finals. But not everyone in the industry agrees with Lee's sweeping assertion, and some developers are making their position unmistakably clear.
PC Gamer reports that Demonschool developer Necrosoft Games fired back with a blunt statement: "Not only do we not use AI, we would rather cut off our own arms than do so." The studio emphasized that Demonschool is "100% human-made," highlighting the retro neon art style and personality that defines the tactics RPG.
The stark contrast between Embark's approach and Necrosoft's stance underscores a growing divide in how studios view the role of generative AI in creative work. For Embark, which was acquired for $96 million, the choice to use AI for voice lines has become a recurring point of friction with players and observers alike.
Commenters across the gaming community expressed mixed views about the trend. Many observers worry that normalizing AI use in games could set a dangerous precedent, particularly when the technology's ethical implications remain unresolved. There are still many interested in learning game design without AI tools, too.
The conversation around generative AI in gaming has centered on concerns about creativity, attribution, and whether cost-cutting measures should override the value of human craftsmanship. And that's not limited to gamers. Recently, an AI musician topped the country music charts.
Some in the community argue that current generative AI applications in general are premature and risk enabling more problematic uses down the line. The conversation centers on ethics and cost.
The broader tension reflects a fundamental question about what players expect from game developers. While AI tools can streamline production, many in the industry and community believe that human artistry should remain the default standard, not a premium feature.
Necrosoft's defiant stance suggests that at least some studios see genuine human creativity as a competitive advantage rather than an outdated luxury. Whether this position becomes a rallying point for other developers or remains an outlier may shape how the industry approaches AI in the years ahead.
