Los Angeles-based game startup Liminal Experiences Inc. officially launched Tuesday with a $5.8 million investment, aiming to bring user-generated content to video games. Founded by Brandon Mulligan, a Riot Games veteran, the company aims to help users create their own role-playing video games using artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including unique characters, environments, and storylines.
However, Mulligan acknowledged that the use of AI in the gaming industry is a sensitive topic. Liminal was founded in 2022, at the same time that video game actors went on strike to protest the uncontrolled use of AI in games. After years of struggle, the actors' union reached a deal with 80 game projects, providing some AI protections for video game actors. This backdrop has made the use of AI in games a complex debate.
"In the gaming industry, AI is a sensitive subject, with many developers fearing job displacement by AI, and players considering ethical issues," Mulligan said in a statement. "It's very difficult to engage in this debate, so most game companies prefer to explore AI options internally rather than publicly discussing it. This leaves the space for public discussion to startups outside the industry, attempting to envision the future."
Despite the industry controversy, the use of AI in video games has become an unstoppable trend. Sony is developing AI prototypes for its PlayStation characters, while Microsoft and Google have also launched early-stage video game AI models. Nevertheless, investors aren't doubting Liminal's AI strategy, with Riot Games and its founder Marc Merrill also participating in this funding round.
Currently, Liminal is still in the development phase, planning to launch initial prototypes before 2026. This new tool not only provides players with a creative platform but also opens up new possibilities for the future development of the gaming industry.