Aggro Crab Presents rejects pitches using generative AI, citing creative job losses

Aggro Crab Presents rejects game pitches that use generative AI. The label is run by Peak and Another Crab's Treasure developer Aggro Crab. Marketing lead Paige Wilson and publishing head Corey Warning cite harm to creative jobs. The studio is drafting a public policy document on its genAI stance.

Aggro Crab Presents has already turned away pitches that leaned on AI-generated concept art.
Corey Warning says such disclosures look like a bid to trade transparency for forgiveness.
He argues hand-drawn sketches signal more passion than any AI output.
"10 out of 10 times I would rather see somebody's absolute shitty sketches, because they haven't hired an artist yet, than throw it into the machine." - Corey Warning, Head of Publishing, Aggro Crab Presents

Aggro Crab Presents is drafting a document detailing its full genAI stance.
Paige Wilson says the team expects developers will want specific guidance on the policy.
The document is planned for public release, giving other boutique publishers a reference point.
Wilson notes the studio has built successful games without relying on generative AI.

Developers testing how far they can push genAI use are unlikely to secure a deal.
Wilson warns that approach signals a poor fit from the start of the pitch process.
The policy lands amid wider industry debate, including recent remarks from Epic's Tim Sweeney.
"Show me your dogshit MS Paint drawing of your vision." - Paige Wilson, Marketing and Community Lead, Aggro Crab Presents

For Publishers & Developers: Budget freelance concept artists into pre-pitch costs when targeting artist-led indie labels.
For Investors & VC: Add a genAI asset-provenance audit to diligence on indie studios courting boutique publishers.
For Service Vendors: Pitch low-cost pitch-deck concept art packages to pre-funding indie teams seeking boutique publishers.