Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Epic Games delays a Marvel and Star Wars extraction shooter in order to pivot to an ‘AI first’ production model
Epic Games has reportedly delayed an upcoming Marvel and Star Wars extraction shooter to implement an "AI first" production model, instructing developers to use generative AI for art and eliminate "hand-written code." CEO Tim Sweeney stated the company is pivoting to "maximum AI acceleration" to build more and better content, framing it as a necessary step to "survive the AI revolution."
Destiny 1 project, which aims to port the game to PC, seemingly gets a nod from Bungie boss
A fan-led project called Project Golden Age is making progress on porting the original Destiny to PC, showcasing footage running at 4K resolution and high frame rates. Bungie's studio head of product, Josh Deane, acknowledged the project on X, though it remains uncertain if Bungie or Sony will intervene with takedowns. The project utilizes advanced techniques, including mentions of generative AI, to rebuild the game.
If you've sworn off genAI Crazy Taxi and dislike all the twerking in GTA 6, consider Shifu: Traffic Masters, a jolly open world driving game set in 1990s China
Shifu: Traffic Masters is an upcoming open-world driving game set in 1990s China, drawing inspiration from titles like Crazy Taxi and Midtown Madness. Developed by solo dev Boxy.Poly, the game features various vehicular pursuits including cargo hauling, police chases, taxi services, and arcade street racing. It is available as a demo on Steam with no release date announced.
Xbox announces what sounds like a generative AI-focused game-making department, Xbox Labs, while avoiding mentioning AI
Xbox has launched Xbox Labs, a new initiative led by CTO Scott Van Vliet, to explore emerging trends in game development, particularly those related to generative AI and code manipulation. CEO Asha Sharma announced the initiative, emphasizing its role in understanding how players and developers interact with new technologies, while notably avoiding direct mention of AI in the announcement.
Dwarf Fortress creator Tarn Adams is as tired of genAI in the industry as anyone else, and is pretty set on never using it
Dwarf Fortress creator Tarn Adams expressed strong reservations about the use of generative AI in the game industry, citing concerns about job displacement and the potential for poorly optimized, inefficient code. He stated that he has no plans to use AI in his own development and worries about potential future industry mandates, such as Microsoft's Copilot, forcing its adoption.
Tim Sweeney says Epic Games 'aims to survive AI revolution' with AI pivot
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney announced a significant pivot towards artificial intelligence, aiming to "survive the AI revolution" by retooling developers for "maximum AI acceleration." The company intends to leverage AI to enable teams using Unreal Engine to create more and better content faster. This move aligns with broader industry trends, as companies like Google and Netflix are also integrating generative AI into their operations.
"No more hand-written code": Epic reportedly impose "AI-first" model on creators of new Disney shooter with Marvel and Star Wars characters
Epic Games is reportedly mandating an "AI-first" production model for an unannounced Disney shooter featuring Marvel and Star Wars characters, leading to its indefinite delay. Developers are instructed to use AI for art and code generation, a move that has caused internal dissent and reflects Epic's broader push into generative AI, despite recent layoffs and a downturn in Fortnite engagement.
Dragon Quest co-creator Yuji Horii releases new AI-generated game, and he says it took 30 minutes to make
Dragon Quest co-creator Yuji Horii has released a new text-based interrogation game that he claims took only 30 minutes to create using generative AI. Horii, who developed the 1983 game The Portopia Serial Murder Case largely by himself, expressed astonishment at AI's capabilities. This follows his previous use of AI in Dragon Quest 10 and his consideration of AI for future projects, amidst ongoing industry controversy surrounding AI in game development.
The happiest man in gaming hates generative AI
Dwarf Fortress co-creator Tarn Adams expresses immense enthusiasm for game development, particularly the procedural generation of magic systems in the upcoming Myth and Magic update. However, he voices strong concerns about generative AI, fearing its potential to devalue human work and its bloated code. Adams also discusses the success of Dwarf Fortress on Steam, the community's incredible modding achievements, and the financial realities of running Bay 12 Games.
Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii continues his love affair with AI slop as he releases a new game he generated in 30…
Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii has released a new game, 'Interrogation Room Komiya,' which he claims took only 30 minutes to create using generative AI. Horii expresses strong enthusiasm for AI in game development, contrasting with critical views from figures like Hideo Kojima. This development raises questions about the future of AI in major titles like Dragon Quest 12.
Crazy Taxi: World Tour Showcases Brazil’s Exciting Energy In New Trailer
Sega has released a new trailer for Crazy Taxi: World Tour, showcasing the vibrant energy of Brazil as a new playable city. The game, slated for a 2027 release on Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC, and PlayStation 5, will feature new modes like Cops N' Cabbies. The article also notes the franchise's first mainline title since 2002 has faced backlash for its use of generative AI.
Richard Garriott expands on his comments about getting the copyright back to Ultima in 2027
Richard Garriott is discussing his plans to regain the copyright for the Ultima franchise in 2027, 35 years after selling Origin to Electronic Arts. While he has notified EA and negotiations are underway, EA still owns the trademark. Garriott has not specified his plans for the franchise, and his recent game ventures have had limited success.
Google and Unity unveil gen-AI game-making platforms, and demonstrate one of them with depressingly rubbish "dream game" Space Corridor
Google and Unity have announced new generative AI platforms, Playground and Unity Spark respectively, aimed at simplifying game creation through text prompts. While Playground is positioned as an entry-level tool, Unity Spark integrates with the existing Unity engine for more complex development. The announcement has been met with skepticism from some game developers who view these tools as potentially lowering the quality and creativity of game development.
"Asking the AI to reproduce a game that has already been made does not make you Kojima," says Unity CEO…
Unity CEO Matt Bromberg stated that using generative AI tools like Unity Spark to quickly reproduce existing games does not equate to creative development. He emphasized that the process of creation is what defines a developer, not the shortcut of AI generation. While Spark aims to assist in prototyping, Bromberg cautioned against using it for 'one-shotting games,' suggesting it's more suited for beginners but carries risks of not learning fundamental problem-solving skills.
Capcom Has No Plans to Implement Generative AI Assets in RE Engine
Capcom has clarified its stance on AI in game development, stating it will not implement generative AI for assets in its RE Engine. Instead, the company plans to use AI tools for improving development efficiency through pattern analysis, predictions, and data processing. This clarification comes after initial criticism regarding the engine's future development.
Wizards of the Coast union expands, demands company stop pushing generative AI
The union representing employees at Wizards of the Coast, which publishes Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, has expanded to include more teams and is demanding the company cease its push for generative AI adoption. Separately, Paramount Games Studio and Warner Bros. Games are merging under Skydance, with Tony Driscoll set to lead the combined gaming unit.
Unity unveils a web-based AI game creation platform
Unity has unveiled Unity Spark, a new browser-based platform leveraging generative AI to allow users to create 3D games using natural language prompts. This tool, developed in partnership with Google and running on the Unity engine, will launch in beta later this year. Unity Spark aims to democratize game creation by enabling individuals with creative ideas but limited coding experience to bring their visions to life.
Wizards of the Coast Union Demands Company Stop Pushing Generative AI
Employees at Wizards of the Coast, including those working on Dungeons & Dragons and Magic: The Gathering, have unionized and joined the UWOTC-CWA. In a letter to leadership, the union has demanded that Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast cease the use and promotion of generative AI.
Google debuts new 'experimental' AI game platform named Google Playground
Google has launched Google Playground, an experimental platform for creating, sharing, and playing games built with generative AI tools. The browser-based platform requires no coding experience and allows users to customize games through conversational prompts, with integration for Unity's new Spark tool.
Jagex pull Runescape trailer and apologise for genAI use after complaints about six-fingered knights, pinning the blame on a "trusted external partner"
Jagex has apologized and removed a RuneScape 3 trailer after it was discovered to contain generative AI imagery, including a six-fingered knight and a knight wearing sneakers. The company blamed a "trusted external partner" for the use of AI, despite assurances it would not be used. Jagex stated they do not use AI for their games or artwork and are overhauling their review processes.
