Continued updates for Jagex’s Old School RuneScape and RuneScape 3 MMOs will not be developed with the use of Generative AI.
As GenAI tools become more common place in game development, many developers are experimenting with the controversial tools, while others are barring their use altogether. British tabletop company Games Workshop recently banned the use of Generative AI to “respect human workers”, and RuneScape developer Jagex is following suit.
Speaking to GamesIndustry, Jagex SVP of Product, James Dobrowski, explained that AI tools may be used for more behind-the-scenes processes, but it will never be used to “drive creativity” or create assets that players actively engage with.
“We’ve got a pretty hard stance with the team,” Dobrowski said, “which is a commitment that no generative AI will ever be present in any asset that a player can touch, hear or feel. There will be no generative AI in the game that they experience.”
This means that AI tools could be used to help “tooling efficiency”, but everything within the MMOs that players interact with will always be created by human hands. This doesn’t just apply to internal staff at the studio, but also outsourcing and contractors who contribute to the MMOs’ development.
Dobrowski explained that the studio doesn’t want AI to be used in “inappropriate ways in any of their work that might filter through to the end game”, explaining that its an important conversation to have with outsourcing partners who may not have the same restrictions as Jagex has.
Just recently, the discussion surrounding AI generated content in games hit a peak with the news that Larian Studios was using the tools to design early parts of Divinity. However, after significant pushback, the studio has barred the use of GenAI for assets and writing within the game.
“To ensure there is no room for doubt, we’ve decided to refrain from using genAI tools during concept art development,” Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke said. “That way there can be no discussion about the origin of the art.”
