Google has unveiled Project Genie, an AI tool designed to craft "playable worlds" that may include content from copyrighted intellectual property.

Google is granting limited access to Project Genie, its innovative AI initiative that enables users to craft "playable worlds."

A video released by Google's DeepMind showcases how users can generate content with simple prompts, though the tool's outputs may not always realistically represent physical worlds or align strictly with user commands.

However, the project faces challenges. The video suggests that users can assume the roles of various characters.

VGC reports that individuals are already sharing AI-generated content of well-known characters, including Shadow the Hedgehog and elements from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, on social media platforms.

Pete Lewin, a partner at the law firm Wiggin, highlighted in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz that Project Genie raises familiar legal and ethical issues similar to those seen in other generative AI technologies.

Lewin stated, “The interactivity of Genie’s outputs is new, but the legal and ethical dilemmas mirror those posed by other AI image generators."

"Questions about the data it is trained on, the legality of that training, and whether copyright exceptions apply are critical and currently subject to judicial review globally." He noted the likely increase in "scrutiny and challenges from IP owners" confronted by technologies like Project Genie.

"Recreating beloved characters in memes and static images is distinct from crafting entire game worlds that might compete with official products," Lewin added. "Some AI tools now incorporate IP protection to prevent the replication of known IPs and personalities. Although Genie is in its early stages, similar protections are expected to be added over time.”

According to Google’s blog post on Genie, the initiative is a "research prototype" with a focus on developing it responsibly for human benefit.

Current limitations include generated worlds that might not fully replicate real-life physics and characters that may not be easily controllable. There is no mention of regulations concerning copyrighted IP.

Google expressed its anticipation for the variety of worlds this tool will help create and aims to broaden user access over time.

GamesIndustry.biz is seeking further comment from Google on these developments.