Pocketpair, the studio behind the survival hit Palworld, says it is not using generative AI for game development and argues that its audience does not want AI-made content. Speaking to GamesRadar, John Buckley, the company’s head of publishing and communications, says “Gamers don’t want it,” adding that “it’s not really for us.” Buckley acknowledges a divide around the issue, and he understands why some studios may use AI to reduce development time. However, he questions how long the trend will last and challenges the rationale for replacing in-house artists with AI-generated work.
Buckley also comments on disclosure and labeling. He cites a potential “dystopian” scenario where studios would have to advertise games as “100% human made” so players can tell whether AI tools were used, saying the prospect makes him sad. The discussion comes as platforms and industry figures debate transparency. Steam allows generative AI disclosure on store pages, but it is not mandatory, and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has criticized the Steam disclosure approach. The broader reporting highlights mixed sentiment in the market, with studies showing most players do not care, but some are more likely to avoid games that use generative AI.
