Lucas Pope Worried AI Will Steal Game Ideas Before Release

Game developer Lucas Pope is afraid AI might copy his new game ideas. This is different from how he shared projects before.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Technology |

New Project Kept Under Wraps Amidst AI's Shadow

Lucas Pope, the architect behind critically lauded titles like 'Papers, Please' and 'Return of the Obra Dinn', has publicly stated his reluctance to discuss his current game development. The core reason cited is a pervasive unease concerning generative AI, and its perceived capacity to "slurp up" or directly appropriate creative concepts before a project's official unveiling.

Papers, Please, Return of the Obra Dinn dev Lucas Pope won't talk about current game in case it "gets slurped up by AI" - 1

Pope's silence stems from a fear that detailing his ongoing work could lead to its conceptual theft by AI systems, preempting his own ability to present the finished product. This hesitation marks a notable shift from a potentially more open development discourse. The developer expressed this sentiment during a recent appearance on the 'Mike & Rami Are Still Here' podcast.

Papers, Please, Return of the Obra Dinn dev Lucas Pope won't talk about current game in case it "gets slurped up by AI" - 2

A Hesitancy to Share

The developer admitted that he no longer feels comfortable discussing his ongoing projects. This is not a rigid policy, but rather a "feeling" that has emerged, casting a pall over his usual transparency. Pope hopes this atmosphere will dissipate, allowing him to once again share his creative process. His current quietude regarding future releases is widely interpreted as a direct consequence of these concerns.

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Papers, Please, Return of the Obra Dinn dev Lucas Pope won't talk about current game in case it "gets slurped up by AI" - 3

Pope's best-known works, 'Papers, Please' and 'Return of the Obra Dinn', achieved significant acclaim, with the latter even ranking highly on IGN's list of all-time best games. This history of success, however, also fuels a secondary layer of anxiety: the pressure to replicate past triumphs. Pope has indicated he's not driven by a desire to build a large studio, preferring the solitary act of creation – coding, drawing, and composing. He ponders whether it might be opportune to "go out on a high note" rather than risk subsequent projects not meeting lofty expectations.

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Papers, Please, Return of the Obra Dinn dev Lucas Pope won't talk about current game in case it "gets slurped up by AI" - 4

Pope's discomfort is understandable in the current technological climate. While he desires to enjoy the process of creation efficiently, the specter of generative AI looms, making even the initial stages of development a source of apprehension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Lucas Pope not talking about his new game?
Lucas Pope is worried that generative AI could copy his game ideas before he can release them. He feels uneasy about sharing any details about his current project.
Q: What is generative AI?
Generative AI is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new content, like text, images, or music. Pope is concerned it could take his game concepts.
Q: What games did Lucas Pope make before?
Lucas Pope is known for making popular games like 'Papers, Please' and 'Return of the Obra Dinn'.
Q: Will Lucas Pope stop making games?
He is unsure about the future. Pope mentioned he might consider stopping after his next project if he feels it's a good time to end on a high note, especially with the pressure to match his past successes.