John Buckley, communications lead at Pocketpair, has drawn a clear line on AI in game development. Speaking to GamesRadar, Buckley stated that Pocketpair will not use AI tools because player sentiment rejects them outright. "Gamers don't want it. And if the gamers don't want it, I guess that's it, right? Not much of a conversation to be had," Buckley said.
The stance reflects broader industry tension around generative AI adoption in gaming. While some studios experiment with AI for asset creation, voice work, and development efficiency, player backlash remains swift and severe. Pocketpair's position prioritizes human creativity over automation. The studio's artists prefer doing work themselves rather than outsourcing to algorithms, according to Buckley.
Palworld shipped in early access on PC and Xbox Game Pass in January 2024 and became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 25 million copies within weeks. The survival crafting game's success came entirely on the strength of traditional development practices and hand-crafted creature design. That momentum gives Pocketpair credibility when dismissing AI as unnecessary.
The timing of this statement matters. Publishers like Embracer, EA, and Ubisoft have pursued AI integration for various roles, from NPC dialogue to art augmentation. Player communities have responded with skepticism and outrage across forums, social media, and review platforms. Some view AI-generated content as a threat to professional artists and authentic game experiences.
Buckley's declaration positions Pocketpair as player-aligned in an industry navigating AI's contentious introduction. The company bets that committing to human-driven development resonates with audiences fatigued by corporate tech trends. For a studio riding massive player goodwill, that calculation appears sound. Other studios watching Palworld's success