Which games are most vulnerable to AI clones — opinion by Chris Zhukowski
Recently, due to the advancements in artificial intelligence technology, the issue of game cloning has intensified in the gaming industry. Game marketing expert Chris Zukowski analyzed the situation and explained which projects are the easiest for malefactors to copy.
Don’t Scream
Zukowski identified four types of games that are especially vulnerable to AI cloning.
1. Games built around a single "gimmick." According to the expert, if a title's gameplay is based on one idea, even if it's unusual, it can easily be replicated using AI. As an example, he cited the horror game Don’t Scream, in which the hero dies if the player screams into the microphone. However, Zukowski noted the importance of not confusing a "gimmick" with a "hook." While both mechanisms are original concepts that distinguish a game, a "gimmick" can be fully realized within minutes and quickly become tiresome, whereas a "hook" cannot be fully appreciated from a trailer or screenshots—it is effectively revealed only through gameplay.
2. Games without a unique visual style. In such cases, creating an AI clone is much faster than when artists have carefully crafted the game's appearance.
3. Games that strictly adhere to genre conventions. Zukowski pointed out that, in general, this is not necessarily a bad thing. Looking at these projects, it becomes immediately clear which genre they belong to and what to expect from them. However, established and predictable game formulas make it easier for AI clone creators to work: they just need to take known mechanics and change the setting.
4. Games where content is generated by game systems. These often rely on simple rules and sets of numerical parameters, so AI clone authors don’t face significant challenges when plagiarizing. Exceptions do exist, though—such as Dwarf Fortress, which offers a very deep simulation of the game world.
Zukowski emphasized that he does not urge developers of such games to abandon their projects out of fear of AI clones. He is convinced that they can still succeed, but it is crucial to be aware of the risks.
"I just want to say that if your game falls into one of these categories, keep a low profile and don't start marketing until you have a backup plan in case clones appear. Your best defense is to have a demo ready to release at any moment. Then you can quickly respond if confronted by an AI clone. I firmly believe that the game with the first QUALITY demo release will be the winner, and all others will be labeled as 'clones,'" Zukowski stated.