BackerKit bans AI-generated content from its platform

BackerKit won’t allow AI-generated contents on its platform. This includes a number of high-profile tabletop RPG and board games. In a formal blog post published on Monday, BackerKit announced that it would not allow AI-generated content. This is in contrast with its largest rival, Kickstarter, who has no restrictions. This announcement is made less than a month after AI generated art was featured in an article. Terraforming Mars The expansion of board games has caused alarm amongst creators as well as backers. BackerKit’s policy goes into effect on Oct. 4.

“This policy emphasizes that projects on BackerKit cannot include content solely generated by AI tools,” the company said in its announcement. “All content and assets must first be created by humans.”

San Francisco startup says its approach is informed by working on projects with high-profile creatives.

“At BackerKit, we’re driven to ensure creators are fairly rewarded for their hard work and creativity,” said BackerKit. “Due to concerns about AI tools using content without proper compensation or permission, we’ll continue to limit their use on our platform until there is a system that can guarantee fairness in sourcing, permission, and compensation.”

They are called generative AI and are controversial for using the art of actual artists, almost completely without their consent. The generative AI cannot work without an extensive body of references, often taken from public sources such as webpages, art books and other works. AI developers are not all the same when it comes to ethical considerations. Others take a novel approach to the copyright laws, while some simply employ underpaid students and artists to act as mechanical Turks. FryxGames was the original creator of Terraforming MarsThe company, which is owned by a family member of, claimed that AI could save them money and increase their profits in comparison to hiring human artists.

Recently, the Writers Guild of America has been working to eliminate AI from studio workflows. SAG-AFTRA members, who remain on picket, also have concerns about similar issues. Video game voice actors are equally concerned. The issue is also being discussed by US legislators, who are holding a number of public and private hearings. Kickstarter mandated AI disclosures on its campaigns in August. Polygon reports that Brooklyn-based startup tells them AI does not prevent a campaign going live. That won’t be the case at BackerKit, which vows to prevent the launch of or otherwise take down AI-powered projects that it discovers on its platform.

“Content on BackerKit that’s solely AI-generated or lacks a minimum requirement of human input may lead to the project being temporarily or permanently denied during the review process,” BackerKit said. “During a review, our Trust & Safety team may contact you to help provide verification that your content is within these guidelines. Violations of this policy after a project has launched could result in content removal, project suspension, or the project being removed.”

BackerKit has also stated that it, as part this policy will automatically stop content uploaded by users to its platform, from being used in AI training. On the BackerKit Blog, you can find the complete announcement.