Games Workshop Implements Company-Wide Ban on Generative AI
Games Workshop has declared a ban on creating new content with the use of generative AI for all its employees. The decision emphasizes the company's emphasis on human creativity and IP protection.
Details of the New AI Policy
As stated by CEO Kevin Rowntree, Games Workshop has exercised caution in establishing its internal guidelines concerning AI. Allowed is research on AI theory, but any AI application in creative work is off the books. The important highlights are:
- All internal projects may not include AI-generated content.
- AI may not be used as a design tool.
- The ban also includes third-party projects and officially sanctioned competitions.
The company is increasingly aware of data compliance and security problems regarding AI.
Commitment to Human Creators and IP Protection
Rowntree pointedly stated that the basic values of the firm lie with its creative staff and the integrity of its franchises. He went on to state that Games Workshop has a "strong desire to protect our intellectual property and respect our creators."
"We continue to invest in Warhammer Studio, hiring new staff from concept artists to sculptors and writers. These are the talented and passionate people who make Warhammer such a rich franchise, beloved by so many fans."
Kevin Rowntree, CEO of Games Workshop
Evidence of commitment is the ongoing wide recruitment of skilled operators-writers and artists-that manually develop company properties.
Fan Scrutiny Prompts Clarification
After fans lambasted one official illustration, claiming it bore signs of neural network generation, the company was again forced to clarify its position on AI. At that time Games Workshop said that the perceived flaws were due to human error and not AI. This incident led to an announcement of the company-wide policy, which, though it had existed for some time informally, became formally declared.
