GoKawiilAI-generated interactive fiction gains cult following on tools like SillyTavern
A growing community of hobbyists is using AI chatbots and open-source language models to co-create sprawling fantasy stories and role-plays, often through tools like SillyTavern that run models locally. Users like Brazilian software engineer Petra Ferraz de Novaes describe building elaborate, ever-evolving narratives across fandoms such as Star Wars and Pokémon, valuing the AI's unpredictable, sometimes bizarre outputs. Researchers at the University of Washington found that many participants know the content is AI-generated and see that as part of the appeal, not a drawback.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This trend highlights a cultural split from the publishing industry's anxiety over AI-assisted books, where transparency about AI use has triggered backlash and canceled deals. Among hobbyist creators, though, AI's unpredictability and 'hallucinations' are embraced as creative fuel rather than a flaw to hide, suggesting a parallel, less stigmatized market for AI-driven storytelling could expand alongside traditional publishing.
- Hobbyists are using tools like SillyTavern to run AI models for open-ended fantasy storytelling and role-play.
- A University of Washington study found many users don't mind—or even prefer—that their fiction is AI-generated.
- This grassroots embrace of AI fiction contrasts sharply with recent scandals over undisclosed AI use in traditional publishing.
Source: wired.com — Joel Khalili, 2026-09-14
Published there as: “‘I Like My Big Rat Wife’: Meet the People Using Chatbots to Write Custom Fiction”
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