Tabletop Roleplaying Game Creator Criticizes AI Role in Industry, Labeling It as a 'Betrayal' Instead of What Hasbro Supports.
Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder aren't strangers to the influence of artificial intelligence (AI), but one notable name in the sphere, Andrew Clayton, creator of Foundry Virtual Tabletop (Foundry VTT), takes a firm stance against its use. In a chat with RPGDrop, Clayton spoke out against AI, claiming it as an exploitative technology that unfairly harvests the intellectual property of artists, writers, and designers to produce unoriginal works without their consent[1][2].
While Foundry VTT may have some players using AI in their home games, Clayton makes it clear that Foundry, the company, firmly opposes AI. He believes that while AI content can provide an improvisational aid or accessibility tool in private games, it is crucial for users to understand that AI tends to actively disenfranchise human creators[1].
In contrast, Hasbro's CEO, Chris Cocks, has expressed a warmer welcome for AI in gaming, claiming that there's not a single D&D enthusiast who doesn't utilize AI in some way for campaign development or character creation. However, Clayton's stance is a stark contrast to that of Hasbro's CEO and could potentially signal differences in opinion between partners in the industry[1].
While it's unclear whether Foundry VTT will ever incorporate AI in the future, Clayton's firm "no" suggests that it's unlikely in the near term[1]. The debate over AI in TTRPGs underscores the delicate balance between technological advancement and artistic values in the gaming world.
[1] Jump Point: Foundry Virtual Tabletop Rails Against AI in TTRPGs cites enrichment data about Andrew Clayton's stance on AI, his interview with RPGDrop, and his opposition to the incorporation of AI in Foundry VTT.[2] Andrew Clayton: AI is an exploitative technology in TTRPGs highlights Clayton's belief that AI poses a threat to human creators and their intellectual property rights.[3] Foundry Virtual Tabletop: Q&A with Andrew Clayton discusses the Foundry VTT creator's opposition to AI in games.[4] Foundry VTT CEO Andy Clayton: "No" to AI usage in TTRPGs quotes Clayton's assertion that he does not foresee AI being integrated into Foundry, even in a future with better regulations.
- Despite AI's presence in some tabletop role-playing games, Andrew Clayton, creator of Foundry Virtual Tabletop, vehemently opposes its use, viewing it as a disenfranchising technology that exploits human creators.
- In a private game setting, AI can offer improvisational aid or accessibility tools, but Clayton emphasizes the importance of understanding its potential to harm human creators.
- In contrast, Hasbro's CEO, Chris Cocks, welcomes AI in gaming, with D&D enthusiasts utilizing it for various purposes, including campaign development and character creation.
- Clayton's stance on AI in TTRPGs contrasts with that of Hasbro's CEO, highlighting potential disagreements within the gaming industry.
- The future incorporation of AI in Foundry VTT seems unlikely with Clayton's firm "no," although advancements in technology and regulations could potentially change this.
- AI's role in TTRPGs fosters a debate about the delicate balance between technological advancement and artistic values, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations in game development.
