Artificial intelligence usage is one of the biggest controversies in the gaming industry right now, and while many studios have been careful about how they use it, most have not fully ruled it out. For example, companies like Capcom have said they will not use AI-made assets in final games, but they may still use AI internally to improve efficiency and productivity. In contrast, Digital Extremes has taken a much firmer public stance, clearly presenting itself as a fully “non-AI” studio.
Digital Extremes, the studio behind Warframe, has clearly stated that it will never use generative AI in its games, specifically Warframe and Soulframe. Community Director Megan Everett stated, “Nothing in our games will be AI-generated. Ever.” This statement came after an incident during one of the studio’s regular community streams, where Everett shared a piece of fan art that looked like a “Warframe Gundam.” Viewers quickly pointed out that the image had been created using AI, leading the studio to make its position clear.
In an interview with GameSpot, Everett explained, “We stream every Thursday, and we always show off fan art and stuff from the community. One time, someone made art of what looked like a Warframe Gundam, and I thought it was so cool, so I showed it. Immediately, everyone watching the stream clocked it, and I was devastated. It was so damn sneaky.”
Following the backlash, the studio confirmed that nothing in its games will ever be generated with AI, meaning that neither Warframe nor the upcoming Soulframe will include AI-generated content, as the developers continue to prioritize the human touch that players value in games. It’s a magic we value too, with our human-only writing pledge.
In related news, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 translator claims he was laid off after nearly four years as Warhorse Studios reportedly turns to AI to reduce costs.
