Yoko Taro Fears AI Will Jobless Game Creators, Reducing Them to 'Bards'

May 13,25

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games has become a hot topic, sparking discussions among prominent game developers, including NieR series director Yoko Taro, who voiced concerns about the potential impact on job security for game creators.

In a recent interview with Famitsu, as translated by Automaton, a panel of renowned 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), delved into the future of adventure games and the role of AI.

PlayKotaro Uchikoshi expressed apprehension about the rapid evolution of AI technology, suggesting that AI-generated adventure games could soon become the norm. He highlighted the current limitations of AI in producing exceptional writing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a "human touch" to differentiate from AI-driven content. Yoko Taro shared similar concerns, warning that AI advancements might lead to job losses for game creators. He speculated that in 50 years, game creators could be relegated to roles akin to bards.

When asked about AI's ability to replicate the intricate worlds and narratives of their games, Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii acknowledged its potential, while Kazutaka Kodaka maintained that AI could mimic their styles but wouldn't possess the essence of a true creator. Kodaka likened this to how others might emulate David Lynch's style, but Lynch himself could innovate while remaining authentic.

Yoko Taro floated the idea of using AI to generate new scenarios, such as alternative routes in adventure games, but Kodaka pointed out that this personalization might detract from the shared experience of gaming.

The debate over AI's role in game development continues, with major players like Capcom, Activision, and Nintendo weighing in. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged the creative potential of generative AI, but also raised concerns about intellectual property rights. Microsoft and PlayStation have also shared their perspectives on this evolving technology.

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