To the readers of GameCritics.com, this statement is in regards to our official position on generative AI, both in the use of writing reviews and in the games that we will choose to review in the future.
Regarding reviews, it is our official position that no person who writes for GameCritics will use generative AI in the creation of a review. Use of AI is not acceptable to generate bullet points, nor is it acceptable to use as a “starting point” to be embellished by a human writer. Use of GenAI is not acceptable at all, in any circumstance. Readers of this site have my promise as editor that we will never knowingly approve or run a review that has been created with generative AI.
In regards to the games that we choose to review, GameCritics.com will not review any game that uses generative AI in any way, at any point in the process. This includes using GenAI for graphics, music, writing, or any other aspect that goes into the creation of a videogame.
Using generative AI takes jobs away from the skilled artisans who have put time and effort into mastering their craft, without which generative AI wouldn’t exist. As there is currently no way to attribute which sources go into generative AI and no pay structure compensating the artists whose work has been used without permission, we will not accept any games which use AI in any capacity whatsoever.
If there is ever a time when a game we’ve covered or a review we’ve published is later revealed to have used generative AI in any way, that coverage will be removed immediately.
GameCritics.com is a place that celebrates games – and more importantly, we celebrate the creativity and inspiration that goes into each and every game made by real people. We believe the best way to show this appreciation and respect is to support the people themselves, not the technology which takes advantage of them.
Transformers fan. MOTU stan. Black Lives Matter, pro-LGBTQIA. Anti-fascist.
- So Videogames Episode 466: Citizen Sleeper 2, Pacific Drive, Saborus, Demonschool, Skate Story, Morsels, Night Swarm - December 14, 2025
- So Videogames Episode 465 - December 6, 2025
- So Videogames Episode 464: PRE-GOTY - November 30, 2025
PREACH
One of many reasons why I’m proud to contribute to this site. Well said, Brad!
Let me just say that on the face of it, I agree with and support what it is you are taking a stand against. To get more pedantic, then, “GameCritics.com will not review any game that uses generative AI in any way, at any point in the process” Is there a meaningful difference between “generative AI” and procedurally generated maps, for example? Or a name or character randomizer? I’m not saying there isn’t; I’m genuinely broaching the question. I like to create my own music, and while I haven’t used it personally, there is a plug-in that takes a drum… Read more »
Heyo! Thanks for the comment and question. So, just to set the stage here, I’m not a computer or software engineer and I would not call myself an expert on AI in any sense. I’m sure there’s a lot of nuance in specific areas of the discussion, and our statement probably won’t capture every possibility out there. With that said, to me there’s a difference between tools that creators use to get various effects or tools that can be programmed to produce various results and a generative AI that uses a prompt to put forth a product created from “learning”… Read more »
Like . . . I agree, and I’m really not trying to play devil’s advocate. I just feel like the act of articulating where to draw the line is an incredibly tricky process, and what we discover over time by trying to articulate that line may give us cause to reconsider where we draw it. I’m not saying there will come a time when AI art (as it currently exists) will be acceptable (well, there might, but that is not something I’m advocating for). I just think right now, our disgust for the types of automation we consider to be… Read more »
For sure. It’s a tricky task, but if things change or there are new circumstances, we can always adjust or reconsider. If AI companies start cutting fat checks to everyone whose work they stole, then we’ll have a new discussion on the topic! Nothing’s set in stone here, but I do feel like it’s worth making a first attempt at drawing a line to help preserve the rights of artists, if nothing else.
Sure enough, and I appreciate that this article exists. It’s a fascinating topic, anyway.
🕴ðŸ½I give you a standing ovation for these decisions! ðŸ‘ðŸ¼