Sweet Baby Inc. CEO Advocates for Empathetic AI in Gaming

Kim Belair, co-founder and CEO of Sweet Baby Inc., has stirred up controversy with her recent statements at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025. She argued that the gaming industry should use artificial intelligence (AI) to promote empathy, storytelling, and inclusion rather than focusing solely on profit. While her vision aligns with Sweet Baby Inc.’s mission, many gamers and industry insiders aren’t buying it, questioning whether AI can truly foster empathy or if this is just another ideological push.

Why Are Gamers Pushing Back?

As reported by Variety, Belair pointed out that in game development, shareholders often get most of the credit while the employees who actually build the games are overlooked. She explained that Sweet Baby Inc. wants to use AI to bring in more diverse voices rather than replace human creators.

“There is, unfortunately, a lot of prioritization of shareholders and of money over the employees who make the games. We want to use AI to expand access and bring in more diverse voices, not replace them. Our focus is on storytelling, empathy, and inclusion, and AI should serve those goals, not undermine them.”

However, many gamers feel this approach misses the mark. While AI can assist with procedural generation and character behavior, expecting it to create genuinely inclusive and emotionally engaging stories is a stretch. At its core, AI is a tool, not a storyteller with lived experiences.

Critics argue that using AI to push for diversity in games could result in forced narratives that don’t necessarily enhance the gameplay experience. This skepticism particularly builds on Sweet Baby Inc.’s "impressive" track record. According to That Park Place, several games associated with the company—like Goodbye Volcano High, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, and Unknown 9: Awakening—failed miserably (both critically and commercially). Some players argue that prioritizing messaging over gameplay often results in commercial failures.

So Belair's vote for AI in the DEI narrative push didn't go well with gamers.

What do you think? Should AI be used to push for diversity and inclusion in gaming? Share your thoughts in the comments.