The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in games has become a hot topic recently, with notable figures like NieR series director Yoko Taro expressing concerns about its impact on the industry. In a recent interview at Famitsu, translated by Automaton, several renowned Japanese game developers known for their narrative and storytelling prowess discussed their views on game creation and the role of AI. The panel included Yoko Taro, Kotaro Uchikoshi (known for Zero Escape and AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (creator of Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (behind 428: Shibuya Scramble).
When asked about the future of adventure games, both Yoko Taro and Kotaro Uchikoshi delved into the topic of AI. Uchikoshi expressed apprehension about AI-generated adventure games becoming mainstream due to the rapid evolution of AI technology. He acknowledged that current AI struggles to produce writing that matches human creativity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a "human touch" to differentiate from AI-generated content.
Yoko Taro shared similar concerns, stating, "I, too, believe that game creators may lose their jobs because of AI. There’s a chance that in 50 years, game creators will be treated like bards." This statement highlights his fear that AI could replace human game creators, reducing their role to that of traditional storytellers.
The discussion also touched on whether AI could replicate the intricate worlds and narratives of their games, including unexpected twists. Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii agreed that this was possible, while Kazutaka Kodaka argued that even if AI could mimic their work and styles, it would lack the unique behavior and adaptability of a human creator. He drew a parallel to David Lynch, noting that while others could write in Lynch's style, Lynch himself could alter his approach and still maintain authenticity.
Yoko Taro suggested using AI to generate new scenarios, such as different routes in adventure games. However, Kodaka pointed out that such personalization could diminish the shared experience that games often provide.
The conversation about AI in gaming extends beyond this panel. Other notable creators and companies, including Capcom, Activision, and Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, have shared their thoughts. Furukawa noted the creative potential of generative AI but also raised concerns about intellectual property rights. Both Microsoft and PlayStation have also contributed to the ongoing dialogue about AI's role in gaming.
