CD Projekt Red does not intend to rely on artificial intelligence for the complete creation of its games, including the upcoming The Witcher 4. Joint CEO Michał Nowakowski stated that the studio will continue to prioritize human developers, emphasizing that AI is currently viewed as a tool to assist, not replace, the creative process.
"AI is definitely becoming a thing in games development as well," Nowakowski said during a recent earnings conference. "We are still predominantly using people and this is our plan—to make games where we're not walking away from that."
The company is exploring AI's potential, but its role is limited to tasks that can be made more efficient, such as minor adjustments or data analysis. "AI, if anything, is a tool like many others that's helping in places that can maybe become more helpful in the future but we're not planning to rely on AI making complete games," Nowakowski clarified.
This stance is particularly relevant for complex games like those developed by CD Projekt Red. "especially with very complex games like ours, I don't even think this is the right or ethical path to follow," he added, suggesting that the nuanced craftsmanship required for such titles is beyond the current capabilities of AI. Nowakowski also noted that the legal landscape surrounding AI-generated content is still evolving, with many publishers now incorporating anti-AI clauses into agreements.
While CD Projekt Red is focused on human-led development, Nowakowski acknowledged that other studios may approach AI integration differently. "So whether this is true for the whole industry, I'm not the person to make those statements. I think everybody has to make those judgments on their own."