Embracing AI in LitRPGs: Co-creativity and its discontents

The rise of artificial intelligence has transformed creative industries, offering new possibilities for human-machine collaboration. This paper explores the potential impact of AI on the creative processes of the literary role-playing game (LitRPG) genre, a primarily online-based growing subgenre of fiction that blends traditional storytelling with video game mechanics. Based on an interview with prominent LitRPG author Gliglith, and a review of over 100 LitRPG novels, this paper argues that the genre is particularly well-suited for AI integration. Drawing on theories of co-creativity that offer a blueprint for humans-AI collaboration, the paper outlines a framework for strategic AI usage, emphasizing a division of labor where AI handles repetitive tasks and synthesizes large databases while authors focus on aesthetic judgment. Such modes of responsible adoption of AI not only enable LitRPG authors to enhance productivity, generate innovative content, and expand global readership, but also preserve the human element of artistic expression in an increasingly automated world. Thus, the stakes of meaningful AI integration in LitRPG extend far beyond the genre: co-creativity offers a powerful model for leveraging technology to amplify human creativity and safeguard its unique contributions.