Kobold Press Stands Firm Against AI in Tabletop Games

In a clear statement amidst the growing debate about AI’s role in tabletop gaming, Kobold Press has reaffirmed its commitment to human creativity.

Kobold Press has made it abundantly clear that they will not use generative AI for art or game design. This stance, outlined in a recent blog post titled “State of Play: Kobold Press Issues the No AI Pledge,” is a direct response to the increasing use of AI in various industries, including tabletop gaming.

A Human-Centric Approach

Kobold Press’s decision to avoid AI-generated content is based on several key factors:

Ethical Concerns: The company is concerned about the ethical implications of AI tools, particularly those trained on copyrighted materials without proper consent.
Quality and Originality: Kobold Press believes that relying on human artists and designers is essential for maintaining the quality and originality of their games.
Support for Creators: By choosing to work with human creators, Kobold Press is supporting the creative community and ensuring that their work is recognized and valued.
A Commitment to Human-Generated Content

Kobold Press’s policy of avoiding AI-generated content extends to all aspects of their game development. The company’s art director, Marc Radle, and the creative team continue to collaborate with talented artists and cartographers to produce all visuals for their publications.

Focus on Player Experience

Beyond art, Kobold Press also emphasizes the importance of human creativity in game design. The company believes that the heart of tabletop roleplaying games lies in the interaction between players, game masters, and the stories they create together. AI-generated content, they argue, does not enhance this experience and instead focuses on tools that can potentially detract from the creative process.

A Call for Support

Kobold Press is encouraging those who support their position to sign in support of the No AI Pledge. By standing together, the tabletop gaming community can send a clear message to the industry that human creativity is essential to the future of this beloved hobby.