Fallout and Elder Scrolls boss Todd Howard defends AI in game development, but aims to "protect artistry" and "human intention" in his games

Eurogamer
Fri, 05 Dec 2025 16:09:30 +0000

Todd Howard, head of Bethesda, discussed the role of AI in game development, emphasizing it as a tool that cannot replace human creativity. In an interview, he highlighted the importance of protecting artistry and human intention in game design. As AI adoption grows in the industry, with reports indicating significant usage among studios, Howard's comments reflect a cautious approach to integrating technology while maintaining the essence of game creation.

2025-12-05 | GamesRadar+: Elder Scrolls and Fallout boss Todd Howard says AI is a useful "tool" in game dev, but "not in generating things" because "the human intention of it is what makes our stuff special"

Todd Howard, Bethesda Game Studios executive producer, emphasizes that while AI can be a useful tool in game development for speeding up iterative processes, it should not replace human creativity. In an interview, he stated that the unique human intention behind game design is what makes it special. He aligns with other developers like Hideo Kojima, who view AI as a means to handle tedious tasks, while cautioning against over-reliance on generative AI.

2025-12-08 | GameSpot: Todd Howard Confirms Bethesda Uses AI, But Emphasizes "Human Intention" Behind It

Todd Howard of Bethesda confirmed the company's use of AI as a tool to assist artists in game development while emphasizing the importance of human creativity. He likened AI's role to an advanced version of Photoshop, aimed at enhancing efficiency without replacing artistic intention. Other companies like EA and Sega are also exploring AI's potential, though opinions on its impact vary widely within the industry.