PC game publisher Hooded Horse has implemented a strict ban on generative AI-generated art in all its titles, extending the prohibition to every stage of development. CEO Tim Bender argues that even temporary use of AI assets risks contaminating final builds. This policy aims to safeguard artistic integrity and avoid potential backlash from players.
Hooded Horse, known for publishing strategy and city-building games such as Manor Lords, Cataclismo, and the upcoming Endless Legend 2, has taken a firm stand against generative AI in game development. In an interview, CEO Tim Bender expressed frustration, stating that generative AI art "has made his job harder and that it now appears in places it should not." To enforce this view, the company has incorporated explicit bans on AI-generated assets into its publishing contracts, prohibiting their use entirely.
Bender emphasizes the dangers of allowing AI even as placeholders during pre-production. He warns that once introduced, such assets can "spread through the pipeline" and inadvertently end up in the final product. Hooded Horse requires developers to avoid generative AI from prototyping through internal testing, with the publisher conducting ongoing checks to ensure compliance. This vigilance, Bender notes, prevents oversights that could harm the studio's reputation.
Real-world incidents underscore these concerns. In Ubisoft's Anno 117, placeholder AI art appeared in the live version of the city builder, prompting quick fixes but drawing frustration from its dedicated PC fanbase. Similarly, the RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 initially secured two wins at the Indie Game Awards, only for them to be revoked after organizers discovered generative AI art in the shipped game, despite claims it was temporary. These cases illustrate how oversights can lead to public backlash and professional repercussions.
The policy reflects broader tensions in PC gaming, where some studios like Larian experiment cautiously with AI for concepts, while others, like Hooded Horse, prioritize human-created content. For developers partnering with Hooded Horse, this means forgoing AI tools to align with the publisher's commitment to traditional artistry, potentially influencing how future games are perceived by skeptical players.
