Introduction (and why I like this setting)

[Worldtree]

Have you read the Culture novels by Ian m Banks, Diaspora by Greg Egan, or books like House of Suns by Alastaire Reynolds?
They were very big inspirations for the setting, from the beginning

No, I haven't read those books, but thanks for recommend them - I will, soon!. To be clear, this is what I'm familiar with when it comes to science fiction:
- Endless Sky
- NAEV
- Mindustry
- Pioneer
- Oolite

Somehow, in all of these far-future settings, there is a lack of intelligent AI!

This is probably the most unique setting I have seen so far.

I can't wait to make content for it!

looking forward to whatever you come up with

yeah just so you know, you've only experienced the tip of the iceberg in science fiction. If you ever get around to exploring the long history of this genre outside of those video games (no pressure- there's many other facets to life) there are thousands of stories with intelligent AI , and with intelligent AIs as characters.

everything from "Colossus: the forbin project" (1970 film) to the Bobiverse novels by Dennis E. Taylor. to Blindsight by peter watts, to this shared setting we've build together for 24 years now.

In Endless Sky (a video game), this is justified for humans, because apparently the Republic has banned advanced AI. Though one guy does technically turn himself digital, against the Law. Does that count as "artificial intelligence"?
However, I wonder why more advanced races (like the Quarg, who are apparently peaceful, or the Wanderers) do not use AI for most aspects of their society...

a person who turns themselves digital is usually called an 'upload" , "uploaded mind" or something like that, as far as i know. That's usually considered different than an "artificial intelligence" .
but why don't the aliens in those video games have AIs? because the game designers decided the aliens shouldn't have them for some narrative reason?
it's odd- i think there's a variety of ways to make aliens feel "alien" or "advanced" but adding that they have superintelligent AIs running their society brings a specific aesthetic.