Blood Bowl creator Jervis Johnson agrees with Games Workshop's AI ban, says 'it allows you to be a bit lazy and not put in the effort'
PC Gamer
by Jody Macgregor February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Jervis Johnson, the renowned tabletop game designer behind *Blood Bowl* and contributor to numerous Warhammer and Age of Sigmar projects during his nearly four-decade tenure at Games Workshop, has expressed strong agreement with the company's ban on AI in its creative processes. He argues that while AI can produce competent, albeit uninspired work, it falls short of the creativity and quality required for professional game design. Johnson emphasizes that relying on AI hinders innovation and allows creators to be lazy, as it does not push them to put in the necessary effort to craft truly unique and engaging content.
Drawing from his extensive experience, Johnson highlights how Games Workshop's prohibition against AI aligns with its commitment to maintaining high standards in game design. He notes that while AI tools may offer some utility for basic tasks, they fail to deliver on the hype surrounding their potential. In fact, he humorously compares AI to asbestos—a material once celebrated but later found to be harmful and difficult to remove from systems—suggesting that AI's overuse could lead to long-term negative consequences in the gaming industry.
This perspective matters deeply to readers interested in gaming, as it raises important questions about the role of technology in creative industries. Johnson’s comments underscore the value of human creativity and the risks of relying too heavily on AI tools, which may ultimately dilute the uniqueness and depth that players expect from games like Warhammer and Age of Sigmar. His insights offer a cautionary tale for developers considering the integration of AI into their design processes, reminding them that true innovation often requires sweat equity rather than shortcuts.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/20/2026