Big companies are afraid to use AI in game development due to gamers' outrage

EA, Take-Two and CD Projekt RED have all spoken out about the potential risks of using generative artificial intelligence in game development. The companies are concerned about both legal consequences and reputational damage, Forbes reports.

In its reports, Take-Two states that the use of AI "poses social and ethical threats that can cause legal and reputational harm." EA takes a similar position, emphasizing that the use of AI can undermine players' trust in the brand. CDPR has previously warned about the risks of copyright infringement when using content created on the basis of materials without appropriate intellectual property protection.

Adding to the concerns is the uncertainty surrounding the legal status of generative AI. The models are trained on copyrighted content, which has already been the subject of lawsuits from media outlets, musicians, and actors. If the courts decide otherwise, publishers will have to revise large parts of their games or risk legal action.

Gamers are sharply critical of the use of AI to create visuals and voices in games. This has often led to calls for boycotts of games, and this reaction is already affecting the financial performance of companies. Developers are forced to take gamers' opinions into account when planning future projects.

Even legally licensed examples—like the AI voicing of Darth Vader with the voice of the late James Earl Jones in Fortnite—are sparking debate about the implications for voice actors, who are already on strike over the threat of AI replacements.