The topic of artificial intelligence (AI) in game development has been increasingly debated, with notable figures like NieR series director Yoko Taro voicing concerns about its potential impact on the industry. In a recent discussion at Famitsu, as translated by Automaton, several prominent Japanese game developers known for their narrative-driven games, including Yoko Taro, Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape, AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble), shared their perspectives on the future of adventure games and the role of AI.
During the conversation, the developers were asked about the future of adventure games, leading to a discussion on AI. Kotaro Uchikoshi expressed apprehension about AI's rapid evolution, suggesting that AI-generated adventure games could become mainstream. However, he noted that current AI technology struggles to produce "outstanding writing" that matches human creativity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a "human touch" to stay ahead of technological advancements.
Yoko Taro echoed these concerns, fearing that AI could lead to game creators losing their jobs. He speculated that in 50 years, game creators might be viewed similarly to bards, indicating a potential shift in the value and role of human creators in the industry.
When discussing whether AI could replicate the intricate worlds and narratives of their games, Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii agreed it was possible. However, Kazutaka Kodaka argued that while AI might mimic their styles, it could not truly behave like a creator. He likened this to how other writers might emulate David Lynch's style, but Lynch himself could alter his approach while still maintaining authenticity.
Yoko Taro also suggested using AI to generate new scenarios, such as alternate routes in adventure games. However, Kodaka pointed out that this personalization could diminish the shared experience that games often provide.
The debate over AI's role in game development extends beyond this group, with other industry leaders like Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledging the creative potential of generative AI while highlighting concerns about intellectual property rights. Companies such as Capcom, Activision, Microsoft, and PlayStation have also been exploring and commenting on the use of AI and large language models in game creation.
