Are AI RPGs Safe for Kids?

But a number of concerns have also arisen, particularly regarding their safety for the youngest players. Since 2023, the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) and its equivalents have rated a good share of RPGs, including AI-based ones, in view of age appropriateness. For instance, one of the most popular AI-driven RPGs, AI Dungeon, has been rated Teen by the ESRB for its open-ended gameplay, through which mature content can easily be created. This has raised concerns among parents, who have seen the AI in the game take user input and sometimes come up with inappropriate or unimagined scenarios. Critics have noted this issue, citing that AI RPGs could expose children to unsuitable material with little or no safeguards in place; it has garnered over 20 million users.
On the other hand, some AI RPGs are designed with specific consideration for younger audiences in mind, offering child-friendly environments and safety features. For example, Minecraft Dungeons, an RPG version of the popular Minecraft, uses AI in generating procedural worlds and enemy behavior but ensures that the gameplay remains appropriate for players as young as 10 years old. According to research by the Entertainment Software Association, 70% of parents feel more comfortable with games that have clear ratings and parental controls.

Moreover, most AI RPGs in mobile platforms, such as those available on iOS and Android, include in-game parental controls and restrict certain content through content filters. These systems, as found in the mobile version of AI Dungeon, enable parents to limit the exposure of children to harmful narratives, which is important in maintaining a safe gaming environment for kids. While 60% of kids aged 6-12 years in the U.S. play games on mobile devices, these parental controls mitigate risks that may arise from possibly inappropriate AI-generated content.

The integration of AI further supports real-time monitoring and moderation. Some AI RPGs use machine learning algorithms that flag and remove offensive language or inappropriate content before it reaches the player. This adds an additional layer of safety for children, especially in those games where AI-generated content can be unpredictable. While these safeguards are not flawless, they can reduce the risks significantly. Ultimately, how safe AI RPG are for kids depends on the specific game, the controls available on the platform, and the involvement of the parents in guiding their child’s experience.

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