Hooded Horse, the publisher of Manor Lords and Terra Invicta, has implemented a strict ban on AI-generated assets in their games due to ethical concerns, emphasizing the difficulty of policing AI use and advocating for more detailed policies. They view AI art as problematic and potentially harmful to artists and the industry, reflecting broader debates about AI's role and impact in creative fields.
Hooded Horse, a game publisher, has refused to work with developers using generative AI, considering it 'cancerous' and a source of complications in game development, emphasizing their contracts prohibit AI-generated assets to prevent issues like unintentional inclusion of placeholder content. The industry is divided on AI's role, with some companies adopting it for efficiency, while others criticize its impact on creativity and quality, and legal frameworks are beginning to restrict AI-generated art without human input.
Darkwood 2, a survival horror game set in the Aral Sea's desolate landscape, is being developed by Ice-Pick Lodge with Acid Wizard overseeing, marking a significant shift from the original's creators due to their hiatus. Published by Hooded Horse, the game promises a top-down exploration filled with new monsters and a bleak atmosphere, continuing the legacy of its predecessor while facing concerns over the developers' recent challenges and departures.