Australian music composer Mick Gordon has firmly stated his opposition to the use of generative artificial intelligence in creative projects. Known for his unconventional composition techniques, such as utilizing a Tibetan kangling carved from a human bone for the 2013 game Killer Instinct and sampling physical chainsaw audio for the 2016 hit Doom, Gordon addressed the topic during an interview with IGN at PAX Australia 2026.
When questioned about whether he would integrate generative AI tools into his workflow, Gordon offered a blunt response, stating "F##k AI." According to reporting by IGN, the composer's upcoming projects, including a track for the final boss fight in Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2 launching on October 14, as well as the soundtrack for the cyberpunk squad-shooter Defect, rely entirely on human creation rather than automated prompts.
Gordon elaborated on his technical critique of the technology, arguing that AI is fundamentally constrained by its training data. Because systems compile existing human creations to form logical conclusions, Gordon noted that automated software will constantly trail behind human ingenuity and cannot independently generate unprecedented artistic concepts. Furthermore, the composer expressed confidence that listeners will continue seeking genuine interpersonal bonds, viewing automated content as a catalyst for individuals to disconnect from modern digital fatigue.
Looking ahead, followers of the composer will have opportunities to experience his work live. Gordon is slated to headline the 2027 RADAR festival in the United Kingdom, where he plans to perform selections from his Doom and Doom Eternal scores alongside a full band for the first time.
Why It Matters
Gordon's rejection of automated tools highlights a broader philosophical division within the entertainment and creative sectors regarding the boundary between human artistry and technological automation. By pointing out that algorithmic outputs are tethered entirely to historical datasets, his perspective touches on the core limitations of current machine learning models in replicating true artistic innovation. For the gaming industry, where development studios face constant economic pressure to streamline production pipelines, prominent creator stances like Gordon's may influence how studios balance efficiency with authenticity. Furthermore, as interactive entertainment increasingly explores procedural and automated content generation, artist-led pushback suggests that audiences may place an even higher premium on clearly attributed human craftsmanship, potentially shaping marketing and artistic identity for upcoming releases.
Source: IGN
Original source: https://www.ign.com/articles/doom-2016-composer-mick-gordon-says-fk-ai