Developers are speaking out against the Global Game Jam AI sponsor
Several developers have spoken out against this year’s Global Game Jam (GGJ) list of diversifiers and sponsors, including two AI tool websites.
A Polish game developer, Sosowski, started working on it Twitter/X to express his disdain over the latest list of diversifiers at GGJ. “(I) didn’t expect (GGJ) to be so tone deaf,” the developer admitted.
Another indie game developer, Rami Ismail, explained further Twitter/X that while “I understand that I need sponsors to run an event that is trying to do good, I really do – I understand. This is an incredibly unfortunate example, though, and I’m not sure if any income can offset the reputational damage here, especially among the student and developer crowd that GGJ serves.”
The Global Game Jam is a non-profit organization founded with the aim of giving indie developers a space to create and showcase their games and designs. It is a place where many developers can come together to experiment and meet new people in a safe environment.
The diversifiers are also an important part of GGJ as they act as sponsors for the event. “Diversifiers are a great way to add more fun or challenge to your jam weekend,” says the official GGJ website explains. “Sometimes they can be very useful for narrowing your scope or refining your ideas. It can make your game stand out from the crowd, and you can choose up to four when you submit.” However, the website goes on to explain that these are completely optional additions that you can use and add to your GGJ game in addition to the main focus of the theme.
This year, developers can use two AI tools in the GGJ. The first is ReadSpeaker, an AI plugin that can “add dynamic runtime voice dialogue, improve player immersion, and make your games more inclusive,” according to the GGJ website. There is also Leonardo.Ai, a tool that can enhance or generate images and 3D textures using AI.
One of the biggest creators of free indie game assets, Kenny, spoke out against these tools Twitter/X: “The worst thing about the questionable sponsors of Global Game Jams is that the event is held in schools and attracts a lot of young developers. Please give them the right resources.”
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