Critical Role founder takes a stand against AI in art and defends human creativity

An increasing number of creatives in the entertainment industry are starting to favor the use of Artificial Intelligence, making us wonder if it’s only a matter of time before AI dominates an industry that once prided itself on human creativity. However, there are also creatives out there who are pushing back against the AI storm. Namely, the founders of Critical Role.

In a new interview with ComicsBeat, Critical Role co-founder Sam Riegel and music producer and songwriter Peter Habib spoke about the use of AI in creative spaces. The two also touched upon whether they would ever use it in the songwriting process of Critical Role’s animated adaptations, The Legend of Vox Machina and The Mighty Nein.

“In this production, there was no AI used,” Habib confirmed, speaking about the already iconic song “Who Will You Be?” featured in the second episode of The Mighty Nein. “On my side, it is becoming more of a tool utilized by music producers to formulate ideas. I have peers in the business who use it as a springboard to get ideas started. It’s interesting to see what comes out. Like, if you get into a moment in the session where you’re a little stuck, it’s almost like a third writer in the room.”

Habib went on to say that while there is value in using AI, it was scary to see just how fast the technology was moving and its impact on the music business, citing AI-generated songs being uploaded to Spotify every day.

Though if any Critters are worried this might mean AI will be used in future productions of Critical Role and its animated adaptations in the future, fear not.

“I think our opinion is that it’s basically garbage,” Riegel clarified. “There are people and artists who use it like Peter is talking about. But we’re not one of those.” The co-founder went on to express his amusement that AI’s initial conception was as a tool that would help humanity by giving us time to do what we want, such as appreciating life and creating art. “But now it seems like the new pitch from these AI companies is, ‘AI can do that too. It can create and make poetry and music.’ But that’s what makes us human beings, and why would we give that away?”

Like Habib, Riegel sees the benefits of using AI for coding and software, but the moment it starts replacing creative pursuits like writing and art, it loses all meaning.

“Art isn’t supposed to be easy. That’s what makes it worthwhile. No AI was used in any of this, and we don’t have any intention of using AI in the future.”