Dwarf Fortress creator Tarn Adams is as tired of genAI in the industry as anyone else, and is pretty set on never using it
Tarn Adams, creator of the long-running indie roguelike Dwarf Fortress, has publicly declared his rejection of generative AI in development. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, Adams explicitly stated he has no intention of using AI tools in his work and expressed empathy for the industry’s wider concerns about the technology’s proliferation.
The position stands out in an industry increasingly divided on AI adoption. Many studios have either integrated AI into their development pipelines or faced criticism for undisclosed AI usage. Adams’ firm and public stance places him among a smaller group of established developers actively resisting the technology despite mounting industry pressure.
His comments reflect broader anxieties within the gaming community regarding generative AI’s impact on development. Concerns span from the use of AI-generated assets and code to fears about worker displacement and potential quality issues in AI-assisted games. By maintaining commitment to traditional development practices, Adams’ position exemplifies a notable pushback against automation trends shaping the industry.