On AI Art in My Games

I want to talk about the AI art in my games, because it's complicated.

First, some context: I'm not someone who embraces automation blindly. I don't even use self-checkout because I want to make sure people keep their jobs. So when it comes to the art you're seeing: it's all temporary. These are placeholders, and I actively try not to get attached to them. I'd ask you, if you play my games, to also not get attached to the art.

The goal is to get these games to a point where they can go out into the world, and a huge part of that will be funding real art. I'm committed to paying artists. They're part of the craft, and as a solo indie wearing every other hat, art is the one I know I can't wear effectively myself.

What I've Been Doing Differently

Lately I've been using less art overall. You might notice some inconsistency, and that's because I'm pulling from existing AI galleries instead of generating new stuff. There's already so much out there and I try to utilise what's available rather than feeding the machine further.

But my commitment stands. I want to pay artists. It's not just a budget line item. Art is part of the storytelling, part of what makes the game the game. I'm already finding artists on ArtStation, bookmarking people I want to work with. I'm setting money aside to start commissioning what I can afford and start building real art for the game.

On the Debate

I get that AI art is divisive. That's not my intent, and if it puts you off entirely I understand. But allow me to lovingly push back. Necroscape used AI art early on, then ran a massive Kickstarter and ultimately funded real artists. I'm not here to be pro-AI. I'm just saying: if AI gets a game off the ground, and that game then generates the funding to pay real artists, that's worth considering. Especially in a world where this technology is already out there whether we like it or not.

Be gracious with people. Everyone's got different constraints: physical disabilities, financial realities, life stuff. That said, I'm also willing to call it out when someone is just being lazy. AI enables laziness and you should point that out. But if you see someone using AI art in their game, engage with them. Ask what the actual motive is. Are they trying to sell AI art as final? Is it a placeholder? Is there even a profit motive?

Perhaps any use of any kind is offensive to you, and again, I totally understand. I hope at minimum you have a better understanding of my perspective on this.

If You're an Artist

If you're an artist and you like what I'm building, please reach out. Budget is tight right now, but I can commission a few character pieces. And if this game launches, art funding will be a top priority. I presume the majority of any funding would go toward illustration.