# AI Debate Heats Up Between Game Artists and Epic CEO

> Game artist Kenney and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney clash over AI in game development on X.
- Title: AI Debate Heats Up Between Game Artists and Epic CEO · Pcgamer
- Summary: Game artist Kenney and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney clash over AI in game development on X.
- Keywords: game artist, epic games, tim sweeney, generative ai, ai in games, x posts, ai adoption, game development, Pcgamer
- Source: Pcgamer — https://pcgamer.com/software/ai/the-ai-posting-war-is-heating-up-please-leave-me-behind-says-artist-who-got-into-it-with-epic-ceo-tim-sweeney-on-x
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: game artist, epic games, tim sweeney, generative ai, ai in games, x posts, ai adoption, game development
## Kenney's AI Warning
Game artist Kenney warns against AI adoption in games, saying it's immoral in its current state.

> Don't let billionaires convince you slop is the future. They're used to managing & directing, not making things themselves.
## Sweeney's AI Defense
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney argues generative AI is necessary for game development economic viability.

> As a provider of technology to the whole industry, I see it as Epic's job and my job to make the positive case for it.
## Sweeney's X Rebuttal
Sweeney directly responded to Kenney's post with a sarcastic challenge: 'This is bullshit, Kenney. I've upped my expectations of AI. Up yours!'

> This is bullshit, Kenney," Sweeney told the artist, concluding his rebuttal with a cute double entendre: "I've upped my expectations of AI. Up yours!"
## Musk's Support
Elon Musk backed Sweeney's stance on AI, amplifying the debate on X.

> This is bullshit, Kenney," Sweeney told the artist, concluding his rebuttal with a cute double entendre: "I've upped my expectations of AI. Up yours!"
## Steam Survey Results
69% of Steam users are neutral, fine with, or have no problem with AI in games, but 55% want stricter AI disclosure rules.

> A recent survey of Steam users by GameDiscoverCo found that the majority, about 69%, are either "neutral," "fine with," or "have absolutely no problem with" buying games that disclose the use of AI in their development.
## Sweeney's Anti-AI Campaign
Sweeney claims anti-AI groups are a "pessimistic minority running a venomous, vocal pressure campaign to force compliance and silence dissent."

> I've described the anti-AI crowd as "a pessimistic minority running a venomous, vocal pressure campaign to force compliance and silence dissent."
## Kenney's Stance
Kenney prefers to leave the industry when he's older rather than be associated with AI tools.

> I'd rather leave the industry someday when I'm old(...er) and have everyone remember me for the good stuff I did and the many people I've helped, rather than for lining my own pockets.
## AI Adoption in Games
Games like Arc Raiders, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and Aion 4 use AI tools despite criticism.

> The generative AI use in Arc Raiders led to a 2/5 review in Eurogamer, but the extraction shooter nevertheless sold over 16 million copies.
## Developer Concerns
Over 50% of developers think AI is bad for the industry, and many fear being left behind without AI tools.

> As of the most recent Game Developers Conference survey, over 50% of devs think AI is bad for the industry.
## Sweeney's Productivity Claim
Sweeney predicts studios will see productivity gains of 2x to 4x with AI tools.

> I predict that studios will see "productivity gains of at least 2x to 4x" with AI tools, and says that "all developers need to be prepared for this."
## The Great Impasse
Kenney warns that AI adoption could betray the game development community's spirit of collaboration.

> I'm worried that the part of the industry I love is going to disappear or be taken over by people who aren't in it for the love of the craft, but rather for the grift.
## Key takeaway

Game artist Kenney warns against AI adoption in games, while Epic CEO Tim Sweeney defends generative AI tools as necessary for economic viability.