Klang & AI: Our Ethical Approach to AI Use

Wed Apr 24 2024

There’s no avoiding it, AI has become a topic at the forefront of our collective minds, and for good reason. Sometimes the topic can be exhilarating, other times it can feel extremely daunting. Plus, the use of AI isn’t black and white, which can lead to confusion and speculation. This is why we decided to take a moment to explain how Klang is using and plans to use AI in the creation of our game, SEED.

For those who don’t already know, SEED is a Society Simulator: a massive living world, in which players are the architects. In the game, our players are in charge of caring for human inhabitants, “Seedlings,” who are set with the task of establishing a new home for humanity on the exoplanet Avesta. On Avesta, players guide their Seedlings through a fully simulated world. From small social encounters to planet-wide policies and programs, the world of SEED is deep and limitless - and full of life. This vast world that we are creating is supported, in part, by generative AI. The volume of data generated by the massive scale of SEED’s simulation creates the perfect conditions for generative AI to add rich believable color and variety to the world. In the words of our CTO, Oddur, “SEED’s core simulation is the cake, generative AI is the icing.” But as we integrate AI into our creative processes, we're conscious of the broader implications. This is why we've established the Klang AI Guidelines, ensuring that our use of AI not only enhances our games but also aligns with our ethical standards. Let’s take a look at some of its core principles:

AI as a Catalyst, Not a Replacement

One of the core tenets at Klang Games is that AI serves as a catalyst for human creativity and efficiency. It's a tool that assists Klangers, enabling them to achieve more and push the boundaries of their creativity. The idea isn't to replace human work but to expand it, ensuring that our team can focus on what they do best—creating an ambitious game simulating humanity. We can assure you that Al never and has never taken a Klanger’s job.

Our Commitment to Ethical AI Use

AI is a new frontier. This means that there is no handbook on how to best use it. That being said, at Klang, we are committed to using AI in an ethical way. Let’s dive into what this means for us:

#1 Know Your Models

We are very thoughtful about the AI models we use. This means that we do our best to use LLMs (Large Language Models) that are ethically trained. Additionally, we will keep a close eye on the evolving legal landscape around data use.

#2 Verify Inputs/Outputs

Our commitment also extends to the content generated by these models. We strive to avoid generating LLM content that violates our in-game standards. On top of that, we will make it easy for players to report any content generated by LLMs that they believe should be reviewed. This will help us calibrate our models (making them even better), while also fostering a game environment that respects player feedback and actively mitigates biases and toxicity.

#3 Be Clear and Transparent

We are firm believers that transparency is key to building a trusting relationship. Because of this, we will do our best to be clear with our players about which parts of SEED are AI-generated.

#4 Respect The User

Player input is invaluable, but respect for player privacy is paramount. We pledge not to use player data to train our models without explicit consent, honoring the trust players place in us and the virtual worlds we create.

Looking Ahead

As we forge ahead, integrating AI into SEED, these guidelines will continue to evolve and grow as we do. Throughout this process, they will serve, not just as rules, but as a reflection of our commitment to innovation, ethics, and respect for our community. We are excited to be at the forefront of this exploration of the intersection between AI integration and game development and are eager to explore how AI will continue to deepen the vibrant world of SEED.

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