'Warhammer' Veteran Jervis Johnson Warns AI Could Become the 'Asbestos of the Internet'
Jervis Johnson, a key designer behind Warhammer 40,000, likens artificial intelligence (AI) to “the asbestos of the internet,” warning it may become a problematic legacy for the industry. He supports Games Workshop’s strict ban on AI-generated content in its creative processes, arguing that generative AI is overhyped and fails to deliver high-quality, original creative work. Johnson asserts that relying on AI encourages laziness and undermines genuine creative effort, which he believes requires human collaboration and sustained work. Games Workshop, a major tabletop gaming company, has implemented an internal policy prohibiting AI in design and unauthorized usage in any company context. Johnson views this cautious stance as appropriate, suggesting that for truly innovative and meaningful content, human effort is irreplaceable and AI serves as a hindrance.
