Katarzyna Petru
The phrase "a game created 100% by AI" sounds like marketing clickbait, but Codex Mortis is actually trying to push the boundaries of what we today consider classic game development. The team behind the project has just released a playable demo on Steam, openly declaring that the entire production process – from graphics, through design, to implementation – was carried out entirely using artificial intelligence-based tools. Sounds controversial? That's exactly how it's meant to be.
100% AI-driven development, no pretending
Press materials sent by a person signing as Darek Crunchfest leave no doubt: Codex Mortis does not try to hide its lineage. On the contrary – the description on Steam directly emphasizes “100% AI-driven development”, and the trailer is full of characteristic generative artifacts that are immediately recognizable to the trained eye. This is not a project that wants to “pretend” to be a classic indie production. It is a demonstration of the thesis: can AI already create a complete, playable game.
What exactly is Codex Mortis?
In terms of gameplay, Codex Mortis fits into the currently popular trend of roguelike arenas:
combining five schools of dark magic
creating and developing a undead army
fighting waves of demonic opponents
exploring the map in search of ancient pages of the book
time pressure, as an immortal boss constantly looms over the player
Mechanically, comparisons to Vampire Survivors are obvious, but the atmosphere is definitely heavier, darker, and more focused on cooperation.
Demo now available, and this is just the beginning
Most importantly: this is not just a concept or teaser. The Codex Mortis demo is now available on Steam and can be played normally. The creators are announcing further development of the project – importantly, also with full support for AI algorithms, without a "return" to the classic production pipeline.
Revolution or Curiosity?
Is Codex Mortis the future of the gaming industry? It is definitely too early to answer that question. But one thing is for sure: it is one of the first cases where AI is not just a supporting tool, but a central creator of the entire project.
If the next versions of the game show real progress, we might witness the beginning of a very uncomfortable discussion for the entire industry. Because if “100% AI” can deliver a playable demo today, the question is not whether, but when this technology will start to realistically compete with traditional game development.
