Hooded Horse, the publisher known for Manor Lords, has announced that it will not collaborate with studios that utilize generative AI.

The game publisher Hooded Horse has decided against partnering with developers utilizing generative AI. In a conversation with Kotaku, CEO Tim Bender disclosed that their contracts now prohibit the use of generative AI in any development processes.

Even for content intended as temporary, Bender is concerned about the potential for these assets to inadvertently appear in final projects, citing historical issues such as were observed with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

"We're recommending that developers avoid using generative AI entirely within their workflows, even for placeholders," Bender stated. He emphasized the risk of placeholder elements reaching the final stages without removal, saying, "It only takes one such incident."

Bender described the vigilance required to keep generative AI out of their projects, labeling it as "cancerous."

The use of AI in game development has been a contentious topic, as seen in various approaches by firms in recent years. Korea's Nexon, parent of Embark Studios, uses AI for certain voiceovers in Arc Raiders, yet reassures it's not for staff replacement. Sega looks for efficiency through AI despite facing significant opposition to the technology.

Phil Rogers, CEO of Embracer Group, recognizes AI as a "powerful tool" but underscores the importance of human input in the final result. Similarly, Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser admits to employing AI but tempers expectations about its current utility. Voice actor Troy Baker suggests AI should not be overly criticized, as it does not equate to artistic creation. Revolution Software's Charles Cecil has referred to AI use in his projects as a costly error.

Platforms like Steam have implemented AI tags on games, a move Tim Sweeney of Epic Games has critiqued as nonsensical.

The US Copyright Office has announced plans for early 2025: creations using generative AI, lacking human creativity, will not qualify for copyright protection.

Recently, GamesIndustry.biz featured NYU professor Joost van Dreunen who commented on AI's role in gaming, stating, "nobody wants AI slop."