UK tabletop company Games Workshop has banned the use of generative AI for all of its content. From the design process to full production, the iconic Warhammer company has barred the use of AI tools as they work to respect “human creators” working on their properties.
Explained in a recent financial report, Games Workshop CEO Kevin Rountree explained that, while some senior managers are experimenting with AI tools, “none are excited about it”. While the company’s stance on AI could change in the future, Games Workshop is not jumping on the AI bandwagon.
“We have agreed an internal policy to guide us all, which is currently very cautious e.g. we do not allow AI generated content or AI to be used in our design processes or its unauthorised use outside of GW including in any of our competitions,” the CEO continued, via IGN.
Rountree also explained that Games Workshop “have to monitor and protect ourselves from a data compliance, security and governance perspective, the AI or machine learning engines seem to be automatically included on our phones or laptops whether we like it or not.”
While Games Workshop is banning the use of Generative AI right now, the CEO explained that senior managers will “continue to be inquisitive about the technology”. However, the company will be “maintaining a strong commitment to protect our intellectual property and respect our human creators”.
As some companies strive to replace workers with AI technology, Rountree promises that Games Workshop will be doing the opposite with the company “hiring more creatives in multiple disciplines from concepting and art to writing and sculpting”.
“Talented and passionate individuals that make Warhammer the rich, evocative IP that our hobbyists and we all love,” the CEO concluded.
Alongside new additions to the tabletop Warhammer games, both 40K and Age of Sigmar, Games Workshop is also collaborating on a number of additional projects. In the video game space, GW is collaborating on the upcoming RTS game Dawn of War 4 as well as Creative Assembly’s Total War: Warhammer 40K. Saber Interactive’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 is also in very early development.
Additionally, Games Workshop is working with Amazon for the IP’s first major TV adaptation. Alongside the brand’s inclusion in Amazon’s Secret Level show, Man of Steel and Justice League star Henry Cavill is working on a full TV show based on the beloved tabletop IP. (No, we don’t know when it will release, but hopefully we will see something soon.)
