ZA/UM, Developer of Disco Elysium and Zero Parades, Takes a Firm Stance: 'We Don't Use AI'

Generative artificial intelligence has sparked heated debates across the gaming industry and its community, pushing developers to clarify their positions on the technology. In recent months, Larian Studios faced backlash for its AI use in Baldur's Gate 3, while Jagex assured players that no AI would be involved in assets they interact with in RuneScape. Now, ZA/UM, known for Disco Elysium and the upcoming Zero Parades: For Dead Spies, has weighed in with a straightforward message: 'No AI.'

In an interview with IGN, Allen Murray, head of studio at ZA/UM, shared his perspective: 'In today's world, where AI is everywhere in creative fields, I believe there will be a growing appetite for authentic, human-driven experiences—like a singer-songwriter in a cafe. I want something genuinely human, not a computer-generated creation.' He added, 'I think we'll see a revival of storytelling and art made by people, with meaning and relatability at its core.'

When asked to confirm the studio's official stance, Murray was clear: 'No AI. As a policy, we don't use it.' Jim Ashilevi, writer and voice-over director at ZA/UM, echoed this sentiment: 'Our work is all about embracing our messy, human side. If it's a bit rough around the edges compared to AI-polished content, that's okay. We just want to be true to ourselves.' He emphasized, 'Players can sense the human touch in our games—the fingerprints of real creators in the worlds and stories we craft. There's a raw, unrefined quality to what we build that we cherish.'

While AI and large language models weren't a major factor during Disco Elysium's development, they've become prominent in tech circles as Zero Parades takes shape. Innovations like Google's 'Project Genie' AI, which can generate basic playable worlds from prompts, and Sony's patents for AI-driven podcasts and in-game assistance highlight the trend. However, not all creatives are on board; Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser has compared AI to 'feeding cows with cows and getting mad cow disease.'

ZA/UM remains committed to traditional methods for its new RPG, Zero Parades, aiming to explore themes of loss and resilience through a deeply human lens.