The article examines how generative AI is becoming more common in videogame modding, making it harder for players and journalists to identify work made wholly by people. It focuses on Nexus Mods’ approach, which permits AI-generated content unless a credible complaint is made by an affected creator or rights holder, and considers the transparency problems this creates.

Skyrim has been a major testing ground, first for AI-generated or imitated voices and more recently for AI art and large language models used in coding. The Skyrim mod Bard Hero, created by Mern, discloses that LLMs assisted with coding, debugging and documentation, while Mern says he still designed, tested, reviewed and maintained the open-source mod himself; he also acknowledges wider concerns about AI practices.