Full Breakdown
AdHoc Studio's Firm Stance Against AI in Game Development
11/19/2025, 8:05:52 PM
Overview of AdHoc's Position on AI
AdHoc Studio, the developer behind the successful game *Dispatch*, has publicly rejected the use of generative AI in the creative process of game development. Creative director Nick Herman and executive producer Michael Choung articulated their belief that AI does not contribute creatively to projects like *Dispatch*, which is a superhero workplace comedy that emphasizes player choices. The game has garnered significant attention, selling over one million copies within ten days of its release.
Key Statements from AdHoc Leadership
Herman emphasized the unique contributions of human voice actors, stating, "No AI is going to do what he did," referring to the performance of actor Jeffrey Wright. He further explained that AI-generated content lacks the element of surprise and originality, as it is often based on pre-existing material. Choung echoed this sentiment, asserting that the studio's creations must connect with people and that they are not interested in minimizing their workforce for production efficiency. He remarked, “Whatever we’re building, it has to connect... ‘good enough’ for us is the enemy.”
The Success of *Dispatch*
Since its launch, *Dispatch* has achieved notable success, peaking at over 220,000 players on Steam. This achievement is particularly significant for a single-player title from a relatively unknown studio. The game's voice cast, which includes Aaron Paul and Jeffrey Wright, has been praised for enhancing the overall experience, further reinforcing AdHoc's commitment to human talent over AI alternatives.
Industry Context and Reactions
The debate surrounding the use of AI in video game development is intensifying, with various developers exploring its potential applications. However, AdHoc's stance highlights a growing concern among some creators that AI may undermine the authenticity and creativity essential to storytelling in games. While the studio does not criticize others for their use of AI, they maintain that, at this moment, it "just doesn't make a ton of sense" for their projects.
Broader Implications for Game Development
The conversation around AI in gaming is evolving, with platforms like Valve introducing guidelines for developers to disclose AI usage in their games. This move aims to inform players about the extent to which AI is involved in game development, allowing for more informed purchasing decisions. AdHoc's firm position against AI serves as a counterpoint to the increasing integration of technology in creative processes, emphasizing the value of human creativity in the gaming industry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “No AI is going to do what he did.” — Nick Herman, Creative Director, AdHoc Studio
- “It’s got to be made by people. It’s got to connect to people. We’re looking at AI, we’re monitoring the stuff that AI is doing, like everybody else. But… it seems to be having a lot of trouble trying to get to a ‘good enough’ spot. And ‘good enough’ for us is the enemy.” — Michael Choung, Executive Producer, AdHoc Studio
- “So, yeah, honestly, AI feels like a production solution, not a creative one.” — Nick Herman, Creative Director, AdHoc Studio
- “And 'good enough' for us is the enemy.” — Michael Choung, Executive Producer, AdHoc Studio
AdHoc Studio's commitment to human creativity over AI reflects a broader discourse in the gaming industry, raising questions about the future role of technology in creative endeavors.
