- Prominent Games Workshop designer Jervis Johnson called generative AI “the asbestos of the internet,” backing the company’s official ban.
- In January, CEO Kevin Rountree announced a formal, cautious policy prohibiting AI-generated content in all design processes and competitions.
- The company reported strong financials, with roughly $422 million in revenue for the 26 weeks ending November 2025.
- Johnson argued that AI hinders top-tier creativity by encouraging laziness and shortcutting to average ideas.
Veteran Games Workshop designer Jervis Johnson declared generative Artificial Intelligence a potential hazard, comparing it to “the asbestos of the internet” in a recent interview. This stark criticism fully supports the tabletop gaming giant’s formal prohibition on using AI in its creative and competitive processes.
In its January half-year report, CEO Kevin Rountree stated the company has adopted a very cautious internal policy. “We do not allow AI-generated content or AI to be used in our design processes or its unauthorized use outside of GW,” he told investors.
Johnson strongly endorsed this stance, telling gaming outlet FRVR he believes it’s the right move for many companies. He expressed skepticism about the technology’s output, suggesting most of it fails to live up to the surrounding hype.
Consequently, he warned that AI could actively harm creative development at the highest level. “It’s a hindrance basically because it allows you to be a bit lazy and not put in the effort,” Johnson explained.
He contrasted this with the intensely human effort behind franchises like Warhammer 40,000, which involved extensive planning, meetings, and discarded ideas. Johnson fears AI simply shortcuts to a mediocre consensus, stripping away the vital iterative process.
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