Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
"My worry is that generative AI is poisoning the well" – Take-Two's former head of AI shares his concerns on the current hype cycle
Former Take-Two head of AI, Dr. Luke Dicken, expresses significant concerns about the current hype cycle surrounding generative AI in the gaming industry. He highlights ethical issues with data training, the potential for mediocrity in AI-generated content, and the lack of control over model behavior. Dicken worries that the current excesses of generative AI could poison the well for more traditional and beneficial AI applications in game development.
Xbox reportedly preparing for "significant" lay-offs, as Asha Sharma's big "reset" plan comes into full force
Xbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs and budget cuts as part of new CEO Asha Sharma's business reset plan. A memo outlines the company's financial challenges, including decreased revenue and a low accountability margin, and addresses rising hardware costs due to generative AI. The company is also focusing on console exclusivity for upcoming titles like Gears of War: E-Day.
Once again players are right to suspect AI was used in a game, once again a dev apologizes for using AI in their game
Developer Panache Digital Games has apologized for using generative AI in early assets for their upcoming game, 1666: Amsterdam. Following player concerns, the studio confirmed that AI-generated portraits and marketing materials made their way into the prologue. They have pledged to replace these assets with human-made versions and ensure no AI-generated content will be present in the Early Access or full release.
1666: Amsterdam dev addresses gen-AI accusations, claiming AI assets were an 'oversight'
Panache Digital Games has admitted that some assets and marketing materials for their upcoming game, 1666: Amsterdam, contained generative AI, calling it an 'oversight'. The developers have pledged to remove all AI-generated assets from the early access and final release of the game. This admission comes amidst broader industry concerns about the use of AI in game development, with Sega also addressing AI content disclosures this week.
ESA says anti-deepfake act could 'devastate' video game industry
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has expressed strong opposition to SAG-AFTRA's proposed "No Fakes" act, arguing that its current wording creates significant legal uncertainty and could devastate the video game industry. ESA president Stanley Pierre-Louis stated that the act's broad definition of "digital replica" could lead to frivolous lawsuits and that the cost of litigation would be economically devastating, despite the industry likely prevailing in court.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour producer explains how the team is using AI
SEGA has revealed Crazy Taxi: World Tour for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027, confirming the use of generative AI in its development. Producer Kenji Kanno clarified that AI was used as a support tool for background asset ideation, with final assets created by artists. The company assures that no AI was used for voice performers and that all final game content will be original.
Donald Duck has five fingers in official art for Kingdom Hearts Collection, and that is definitely not right
Official artwork for the newly announced Kingdom Hearts Collection (1-3) has drawn criticism for apparent use of generative AI, specifically due to anatomical errors in Donald Duck's hands. While some press images obscure the issue, it is clearly visible in official posts, leading to speculation about the art's creation process. Square Enix has not yet commented on the use of AI in the artwork.
'The curse of MIXED is broken:' Suda51 & Swery65's Hotel Barcelona claws its way to 'Mostly Positive' on Steam after Hail Mary patch and scrubbing AI assets
The action platformer Hotel Barcelona has improved its Steam user review status from 'Mixed' to 'Mostly Positive' following a significant patch and the removal of controversial AI-generated assets. Developers Goichi Suda and Hidetaka Suehiro, along with publisher CULT Games, have been credited for the turnaround, with a major 'Under New Management' patch in March addressing game balance and adding new content.
Kingdom Hearts AI art accusations hit Square Enix, and that sure looks like slop to me
Square Enix is facing accusations that generative AI was used in the lead art for the upcoming Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Fans have pointed out numerous inconsistencies in character proportions and background details, which are characteristic of AI-generated art. This controversy follows similar outcries regarding AI art usage in other game announcements.
"It's a choice" - A Plague Tale developer Asobo doesn't believe smaller teams need to use gen-AI to compete
Asobo Studio, the developer behind the A Plague Tale series and Microsoft Flight Simulator, does not believe smaller game development teams need to use generative AI to compete. Producer Eric Chort stated that the studio prioritizes creativity and authenticity, viewing AI as a potential threat to these aspects. Asobo prefers to focus on organic development and smart production choices rather than relying on AI solutions.
Riot embraces generative AI, as it targets "wild and weird" player experiences
Riot Games is expanding its use of generative AI, appointing Brendan Mulligan as Head of Experiential AI to create innovative player experiences. Despite past fan criticism, Mulligan aims to explore 'wild and weird' AI-enabled games, potentially impacting titles like League of Legends and Valorant, while assuring that AI integration will focus on genuine player benefit rather than investor profit.
Following generative AI controversy, Crazy Taxi: World Tour lead clarifies how the tech is being used
Kenji Kanno, creator of Crazy Taxi: World Tour, clarified that generative AI was used solely as a reference tool for artists during development, not to replace human creators. He emphasized that all game assets and programming were made by actual humans. Kanno acknowledged the ongoing controversy surrounding AI in game development but stated the team's usage is limited to idea generation and reference.
Apple is making it easier to create Genmoji in iOS 27
Apple is introducing a simplified Genmoji creation experience in the upcoming iOS 17 update. This new feature aims to make it easier for users to generate custom emojis using generative AI technology.
Fumito Ueda on why Gen Atlas has shooting but isn't a shooter, cool robots, and generative AI
Fumito Ueda discusses his new game Gen Atlas, emphasizing its unique experience, refined mechanics, and the role of shooting as a progression tool rather than a primary focus. He also touches on the game's themes of robots and the passage of time, and his studio's cautious use of generative AI in development. This marks Ueda's first game to be released on PC.
SEGA says Crazy Taxi: World Tour only uses genAI-produced assets as reference
SEGA has clarified that generative AI in Crazy Taxi: World Tour is used solely as a reference for human artists, not for direct asset creation. Original series creator Kenji Kanno stated that all programming and assets are made by humans, with AI-generated images serving only as inspiration for the development team.
Crazy Taxi creator explains use of ‘generative AI support tools’ in response to criticism
The creator of Crazy Taxi has explained the use of generative AI support tools in response to criticism. The article discusses the implications of using AI in game development.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour Dev Defends GenAI Use
Kenji Kanno, the original creator of Crazy Taxi, has defended Sega's use of generative AI in the development of Crazy Taxi: World Tour, stating that AI is used only as a reference for artists. The game's publisher, Sega, confirmed that generative AI was used for background assets, with all AI-generated content reviewed by human developers. Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad noted that while genAI use is more accepted in Asian markets, there's little evidence of a negative sales impact for disclosed AI usage in games.
SEGA Adds Some Clarity To Its Use Of GenAI in Crazy Taxi: World Tour
SEGA has clarified its use of Generative AI in the development of Crazy Taxi: World Tour, stating it was a support tool for creating background assets and not used for performers. The company plans to invest more in AI for efficiency improvements, despite some fan backlash regarding the controversial implementation.
Not even Crazy Taxi: World Tour is safe from generative AI, as Sega admit they used it to make background assets
Sega has disclosed the use of generative AI in the development of background assets for the upcoming game Crazy Taxi: World Tour. The company stated that AI was used as a support tool to help developers focus on creative tasks, and that all AI-generated assets were reviewed by the development team. Sega emphasized that no AI was used in relation to the game's performers.
Crystal Dynamics using generative AI for early prototyping, but "finished content is human-created"
Crystal Dynamics has clarified its use of generative AI in the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, stating it is primarily for early prototyping and idea iteration. The studio emphasizes that all finished content within the game is human-created, aiming to enhance developer creativity and efficiency.
