Kenney and Epic's Tim Sweeney clash on X over generative AI in games
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called the artist's anti-AI post "bullshit" and told him "up yours," with Elon Musk backing Sweeney.
Game asset artist Kenney and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney argued publicly on X over the use of generative AI in games, after Kenney urged artists not to give in to pressure to adopt the technology, according to PC Gamer. Sweeney replied to Kenney's post calling it "bullshit" and telling him "up yours," and X owner Elon Musk commented in support of Sweeney.
Kenney told PC Gamer he finds it immoral to use generative AI in its current state. He also said he did not have Sweeney in mind when he wrote his original post.
Sweeney told PC Gamer this week that speaking in favor of AI draws harsh criticism and that most professional AI adopters in gaming are reluctant to speak up. He also claimed that most opposition to AI comes from astroturfed anti-AI influence campaigns; PC Gamer said it has seen no evidence for that claim.
The Epic CEO separately called Steam's AI disclosure requirement abhorrent. GameDiscoverCo found that about 69% of surveyed Steam users are at least neutral about buying games that disclose AI use, and over 55% want stricter AI disclosure rules.
Earlier pushback
In 2025, Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian Studios received substantial pushback for discussing limited AI use. Extraction shooter Arc Raiders received a 2/5 review from Eurogamer over its generative AI use but sold over 16 million copies, while indie game Moon Sweepers recently announced 600,000 sales. Epic has announced an AI-focused game jam and describes its new Epic Games Store launcher as "vibe coded."
Quick answers
What did Tim Sweeney say to Kenney on X?
The Epic Games CEO called Kenney's anti-AI post "bullshit" and told him "up yours," according to PC Gamer. Elon Musk commented in support of Sweeney.
Why does Kenney oppose generative AI in games?
Kenney told PC Gamer that he finds it immoral to use generative AI in its current state. He said he did not have Sweeney in mind when he wrote the original post.
What does Sweeney say about AI disclosure on Steam?
Sweeney called Steam's AI disclosure requirement abhorrent. GameDiscoverCo found about 69% of surveyed Steam users are at least neutral about buying games that disclose AI use.