Story perspectives

Pocketpair Rejects AI, NFTs, Champions Authentic Gaming

10/22/2025

Summary

Pocketpair Rejects AI

Pocketpair, the Palworld developer, has launched a publishing division and will not partner with generative AI, NFTs, or Web3.
Communications director John Buckley stated, "We don't believe in it," signaling a commitment to authenticity in gaming.
Buckley said AI-use accusations in their games, including localization, arise from misunderstandings of Japanese crediting culture.
He warned of a rise in low-quality AI-generated games and urged consumers to distinguish human-made content.

Summary

Juinio Advocates AI

Meghan Morgan Juinio, former God of War director, defends generative AI in game development, saying it enhances creativity.
Speaking at Gamescom Asia, she says AI is an evolving tool developers must embrace to avoid falling behind.
Juinio compares generative AI to procedural generation and cites SpeedTree to show it fits workflows.
She emphasizes that gaming's core—engaging stories and fun gameplay—must remain human-driven, despite 30% of developers reporting negative effects.

History

Historical Context

The video game crash of 1983, attributed to market saturation and poor-quality games, led to a staggering 97% revenue decline, from $3.2 billion in 1983 to around $100 million by 1985. Major companies like Atari faced bankruptcy, prompting a shift in the industry. This historical caution resonates today as developers like Pocketpair navigate the balance between generative AI and creative integrity in gaming.

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Pocketpair Rejects AI

Pocketpair, the Palworld developer, has launched a publishing division and will not partner with generative AI, NFTs, or Web3.
Communications director John Buckley stated, "We don't believe in it," signaling a commitment to authenticity in gaming.
Buckley said AI-use accusations in their games, including localization, arise from misunderstandings of Japanese crediting culture.
He warned of a rise in low-quality AI-generated games and urged consumers to distinguish human-made content.

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