Warhammer 40,000 designer Jervis Johnson has strongly criticized generative AI, comparing it to “the asbestos of the internet.” He expressed support for parent company Games Workshop’s formal ban on using AI in its creative design process. Johnson argued that the technology encourages laziness and fails to deliver high-quality creative work, suggesting it could ultimately harm developers.
A key designer behind Warhammer 40,000 has voiced strong opposition to generative artificial intelligence. Jervis Johnson, the longtime designer of several major Games Workshop titles, compared AI to “the asbestos of the internet.”
Johnson stated that the industry may spend decades removing AI after discovering it is “actually a bit rubbish.” He fully endorsed the company’s internal policy prohibiting AI in design. Games Workshop CEO Kevin Rountree confirmed this cautious stance in a January investor call.
The company, one of the world’s largest tabletop gaming firms, reported roughly $422 million in revenue for the 26 weeks ending November 30, 2025. Rountree stated the company does not allow AI-generated content in its design processes or in unauthorized external uses.
Johnson explained that generative AI does not aid top-tier creative work and instead becomes a hindrance. He argued it promotes laziness by shortcutting to average answers, unlike the extensive human effort behind Warhammer 40,000. Johnson described that effort as involving a great deal of thinking, planning, and discarding of ideas.
