Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Owlcat uses gen-AI while making The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
Owlcat Games, the developer of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, has stated that it uses generative AI during the game's development process but not for creating in-game assets. The studio is exploring the ethical boundaries and practical applications of AI in game creation.
Baldur's Gate 3 actor and prominent gen-AI critic Neil Newbon gives Arc Raiders dev "props" for replacing…
Neil Newbon, the actor known for his role as Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 and a vocal critic of generative AI, has praised Embark Studios for replacing AI-generated voice lines with human performances in their game Arc Raiders. Newbon has consistently advocated for real human performances over AI in video games.
Report: Series Entertainment-owned mobile studio Pixelberry lays off staff
Pixelberry Studios, a mobile game developer owned by Series Entertainment and known for the game Choices, has reportedly laid off an unknown number of employees. This follows a previous round of layoffs in January 2024. The studio's acquisition by Series Entertainment involved integrating their AI-native Rho engine, a development that has been met with developer concern regarding generative AI's impact on the industry.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Translator Apparently Fired as Dev Pivots to AI
A former translator for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 developer Warhorse Studios claims they were fired and replaced by generative AI. The translator alleges they were told their job would become obsolete, with creative head Daniel Vavra being a known proponent of AI technology. This incident highlights growing concerns about AI's impact on jobs within the games industry.
Crimson Desert Update Seemingly Replaces AI Artwork
Crimson Desert has received an update that replaces generative AI art assets with new visuals, addressing fan concerns and the developer's own admission of using AI art. Pearl Abyss stated that the AI-generated assets were intended as placeholders and apologized for the lack of transparency. This situation mirrors a similar controversy involving Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest’s legacy, Camelot out of chains
This week's MMO news includes Daybreak's announcement of EverQuest Legacy, a spinoff of the classic game, and the surprise early access launch of Camelot Unchained after eight years in beta. Several other MMOs received updates, including V Rising, New World, and EverQuest II, while Epic Games faced significant layoffs due to overspending and a slump in Fortnite's performance.
Half-Life & Portal Writer Says Itd Be Silly Not To Look Into Generative AI
Erik Wolpaw, a writer for Half-Life and Portal, revealed that Valve has been exploring the use of Generative AI for research and development. He believes it would be unwise not to investigate the potential of this technology.
Half-Life & Portal Writer Says It’d Be “Silly Not To Look Into” Generative AI
Writer Travis Howe stated that it would be "silly not to look into" generative AI for game development. He also revealed that a team had previously pitched a fan-made remaster of Jak & Daxter to Sony, which involved creating an animated sequence to showcase the updated visuals.
Owlcat says everything in its new Expanse RPG 'will definitely 100 percent be human-made,' but also that generative AI will be used for 'vision coordination' and 'inspiration'
Owlcat has stated that its upcoming RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, will use generative AI for 'vision coordination' and 'inspiration,' but not for creating final game assets. The studio assures players that all in-game content will be human-made, with AI primarily used for rapid prototyping and iteration.
AI Yi-Yi!
Owlcat Games is leveraging generative AI to accelerate iteration on its upcoming title, The Expanse. The article also briefly mentions a separate incident where an individual was replaced by AI at Warhorse Studios.
In defense of placeholder assets: why generative AI accidentally appears in so many games
This article argues against the use of generative AI for creating placeholder assets in video games, particularly when these assets inadvertently make their way into final releases. The author contends that the justifications for employing AI in this manner are insufficient.
Doom co-creator John Romero is "not going to stop making games" despite the state of the industry because…
Despite the current challenging state of the video game industry marked by layoffs and concerns over generative AI, Doom co-creator John Romero remains determined to continue making games. He and his wife Brenda Romero, who also runs Romero Games, acknowledge the difficulties but are committed to their craft, finding inspiration in the potential for creating new and exciting projects.
'The industry's in a really horrible place,' Brenda Romero says: 'We were there in the '80s for the crash, and this is definitely crashier'
Brenda and John Romero, industry veterans who experienced the 1980s game industry crash, state that the current situation is even worse, with widespread layoffs affecting many. They express uncertainty about the future, noting the industry's struggles despite successes like Battlefield 6 and the ongoing debate around generative AI adoption.
"We were there in the 80s for the crash, and this is definitely crashier." John and Brenda Romero reflect on the industry crisis
John and Brenda Romero reflect on the current state of the video game industry, likening it to the 1983 crash and describing it as "definitely crashier." Romero Games faced significant downsizing due to a funding pull, leading to a dramatic reduction in staff. Despite these challenges and industry-wide layoffs, the Romeros remain committed to developing their new game and express passion for creating games.
Owlcat Games is using gen-AI to 'iterate faster' on The Expanse
Owlcat Games is utilizing generative AI as a tool to accelerate prototyping and iteration for its upcoming RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn. The studio emphasizes that all final game assets and content will be human-made, with AI used solely for internal processes and concept exploration. This approach contrasts with other studios like Pearl Abyss, which faced backlash for using AI-generated assets in Crimson Desert, while Capcom also plans to leverage AI for development efficiency.
Owlcat is using generative AI for The Expanse Osiris Reborn, but the final game will be "100% human made"
Owlcat has confirmed the use of generative AI for prototyping and placeholder assets in their upcoming game, The Expanse Osiris Reborn. The studio emphasized that despite this AI assistance during development, the final game will be entirely "100% human made".
Capcom Clarifies Position on Generative AI in Future Game Development - GameHaunt
Capcom has clarified its stance on generative AI, stating that AI-created assets will never be used as finished content in released games. While AI tools will be employed to speed up internal workflows, concept generation, and coding assistance, the company emphasizes that all final textures, models, and sound effects will originate from human artists. This policy aims to maintain art quality and player trust, differentiating Capcom from other studios that have faced criticism for using AI in final products.
Battlefield 6 Reportedly Used Generative AI Without Steam Disclosure
A report indicates that Battlefield 6 utilized generative AI tools for development, including enhancing lip-sync and facial animations, without explicit disclosure on its Steam listing. This has sparked debate regarding Valve's rules on disclosing player-facing AI output versus internal development tools. The situation highlights a growing industry trend of AI integration and the challenges of transparency with players.
Battlefield 6 Reportedly Used Generative AI Without Steam Disclosure
A report indicates that Battlefield 6 utilized generative AI tools for development, including enhancing lip-sync and facial animations, without explicit disclosure on its Steam listing. This has sparked debate regarding Valve's rules on disclosing player-facing AI output versus internal development tools. The situation highlights a growing industry trend of AI integration and the challenges of transparency with players.
Half-Life 2 Writer Says Valve Is Quietly Testing Generative AI for Game Writing
Valve is exploring the use of generative AI in game development, with a small group of developers experimenting with the technology. Writer Erik Wolpaw stated that AI is currently not adept at creative writing but could potentially enhance dynamic NPC interactions in games. The company's approach is described as informal and exploratory, focusing on understanding the technology's capabilities rather than immediate integration.
