Leading Academic Calls for Games Industry Action on Generative AI

Dr. Tommy Thompson, a prominent expert in artificial intelligence and video games, has issued a call for the games industry to establish a standardized risk-assessment framework to address the growing challenges posed by generative AI. The proposed initiative, described as a traffic-light system, aims to provide smaller independent developers with the necessary guidance to navigate the legal, commercial, and reputational risks associated with AI integration—resources that are currently largely confined to the internal R&D departments of major Triple-A studios.

The industry has historically utilized machine learning for tasks such as player analytics and texture upscaling, but these applications were developed conservatively and behind closed doors. In contrast, generative AI is perceived as an external, disruptive force. Major studios remain wary of the technology due to concerns regarding output quality, consistency, and, most significantly, the potential for copyright and intellectual property infringement. While large companies possess the legal infrastructure to manage these risks, smaller developers often lack such safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to potential platform bans or legal repercussions if they utilize AI tools that do not meet strict compliance standards.

The proposed framework seeks to bridge this knowledge gap by encouraging industry associations to facilitate the sharing of best practices. By creating a principles-led assessment tool, the industry could help developers evaluate the viability of AI tools without requiring major firms to disclose proprietary secrets. The initiative emphasizes that as AI becomes more pervasive, the industry must move beyond passive observation and toward proactive education to prevent the technology from becoming an existential risk to smaller, less-resourced game businesses.