Sources: 
CD Projekt Red (CDPR) has confirmed that its upcoming title, The Witcher 4, will not incorporate generative AI (GAI) technology due to significant legal and intellectual property (IP) concerns.
During a recent joint statement, CEO Micha2 Nowakowski described generative AI as "
quite tricky when it comes to legal IP ownership," emphasizing the risks of inadvertent infringement and lack of clear IP protection for AI-generated content.
This cautious stance aligns with broader industry apprehensions. Major publishers like Take-Two Interactive and Electronic Arts (EA) have publicly acknowledged the multifaceted risks associated with AI in game development. Take-Two's 2025 10-K filing highlights AI's rapid impact on game creation but warns of potential "
reputational damage and other drawbacks." Similarly, EA's investor disclosures cite "
social and ethical issues" that could lead to legal liabilities and erode player trust.
The gaming community's skepticism toward AI-generated content further complicates adoption. When games are found to use generative AI, they often face backlash, with players sometimes threatening boycotts, perceiving such content as inferior.
As the legal landscape surrounding generative AI remains unsettled, CDPR's decision reflects a prudent approach to safeguarding its IP and brand reputation. This move underscores the industry's ongoing struggle to balance innovation with ethical and legal responsibilities.
Quotes:"Use of GAI raises many legal concerns, including lack of IPR protection for content on which GAI relies, or potential inadvertent infringement of third-party IPR."
- CDPR statement
"Generative AI is quite tricky when it comes to legal IP ownership."
- Micha2 Nowakowski, CDPR CEO
"The use of AI presents social and ethical issues that may result in legal and reputational harm and liability."
- Take-Two Interactive
"The use of AI may result in legal and reputational harm which would cause players to lose confidence in our business and brands."
- Electronic Arts
Stats:- Take-Two's 2025 10-K filing highlights AI's rapid reshaping of game development.
- EA's 10-K filing includes warnings about reputational risks linked to AI adoption.
Sources: CD Projekt Red's Michał Nowakowski confirmed that The Witcher 4 will not use generative AI due to legal intellectual property risks. Industry leaders like Take-Two and EA also cite reputational and ethical concerns with AI in game development, highlighting ongoing challenges in AI adoption.
