Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick Says "Woe Is Me" AI Narrative Is Overstated
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick believes the negative narrative surrounding generative AI in the gaming industry is overstated, suggesting it will ultimately benefit humanity and enhance creative work. While acknowledging potential risks, Zelnick argues that AI will boost productivity and employment, rather than replace artists, citing the need for human creativity to generate new content. His comments come as Take-Two prepares for the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6.
Two weeks after laying off AI team, GTA 6 boss says we must embrace the technology
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has expressed a shifting stance on artificial intelligence, recently stating that new AI tools are exciting for the company's business, despite previously laying off its AI team. While Zelnick claims generative AI has played "zero part" in Grand Theft Auto 6's creation, he believes the technology will ultimately be beneficial for the industry by automating mundane tasks.
Take-Two CEO says if AI replaces anyone, it should be Elon Musk after his claim GTA 6 could come from gen-AI before Rockstar: "The richest guy on Earth, wouldn't that be job number one for AI to take?"
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick responded to Elon Musk's claims about generative AI creating Grand Theft Auto 6 before Rockstar Games. Zelnick suggested that if AI were to replace anyone's job, it should be Musk's, questioning why the billionaire is still busy if AI is so capable. He also stated that AI can assist in game development but is not revolutionizing or replacing the intense work required for titles like Grand Theft Auto 6.
The games industry will never "get back to normal", lament Tony Hawk devs Iron Galaxy, as they make another round of layoffs
Iron Galaxy, the developers behind Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 and ports of various games, has announced another round of layoffs, citing permanent changes in the video game industry's market conditions. The company stated it can no longer sustain its previous team size following a previous downsizing. This news comes amidst broader industry trends of job cuts and shifts in publisher investment criteria, with generative AI and live service games being discussed as potential factors.
XCOM spiritual successor Warhounds dumps its gen-AI portraits, and I'm breathing a sigh of relief
Developer Everplay has announced that its upcoming turn-based strategy game Warhounds will be moving away from generative AI-generated character portraits. Following community feedback, the team will replace the AI portraits with over 100 hand-made ones created directly from the game's 3D character models. The game, inspired by XCOM and Jagged Alliance, is planned for a 2026 launch and will feature tactical combat and squad specialization.
Panic says the Playdate Catalog won't accept games made with generative AI
Panic, the company behind the Playdate console, announced that its game catalog will no longer accept titles that use generative AI for art, audio, music, text, or dialogue starting this month. While AI assistance for coding is permitted and will be disclosed, the use of large language models and AI image/audio generators for creative assets is prohibited. Previously approved games using generative AI will remain with a disclosure.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Lead Says His LGBTQ+ Award Nom Isn't "Woke"
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 creative director Daniel Vávra expressed pride in the game's Gayming Awards nominations, including for its LGBTQ+ character representation, while also stating his continued dislike for what he calls "woke" content in media. Vávra, who previously stepped down from his role at Warhorse Studios, also commented on the game's sales success and the studio's pivot towards AI.
Panic won't release Playdate titles that use some forms of generative AI
Panic will no longer allow developers to publish titles on its Playdate storefront, Catalog, that use generative AI tools for art, audio, music, text, or dialog. This policy change comes after a game that used AI for coding and writing was included in Playdate Season 2. While AI assistance in coding will still be permitted and flagged, the use of generative AI for creative assets is now prohibited.
Ubisoft union workers agree settlement, legal advice for game devs, and is Xbox Game Pass too expensive? - Patch Notes #48
Union workers at the shuttered Ubisoft Halifax studio have reached a confidential settlement. Xbox's new gaming chief, Asha Sharma, reportedly believes Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive. Additionally, the article touches on the winding down of Ludum Dare, a potential Fortnite extraction shooter with Disney characters, Roblox's new age-based accounts, Among Us surpassing one billion downloads, legal advice for game developers regarding generative AI and IP, and the upcoming Playdate Season 3.
Vague Patch Notes: No, ‘foreigners’ are not coming for the American games industry
This article critiques the notion that Asian game developers are poised to overtake the American industry due to their embrace of generative AI. It argues that many Asian companies struggle to penetrate Western markets and that the real issues facing the industry include over-reliance on single titles, fixation on graphics, studio cannibalization, and poor working conditions, rather than external threats.
Meta isn't setting its Oversight Board free just yet
Meta's Oversight Board is seeking to expand its role beyond the company, exploring partnerships with AI firms. However, Meta has not yet approved changes to its governing documents that would allow for this. The board, funded by Meta, is also facing internal questions about its future and investment as Meta shifts its content moderation priorities.
Video game lawyer implores devs to understand ownership and swerve generative AI
Video game lawyer Nick Allan advises independent developers to prioritize understanding intellectual property ownership and to avoid generative AI. He stressed the importance of written agreements with contractors and freelancers to secure IP rights. Allan also cautioned against using AI-generated assets due to potential ownership issues and difficulties in preventing copyright infringement.
Microsoft raises prices on Surface PCs due to skyrocketing RAM costs
Microsoft has implemented significant price increases across its Surface line of PCs, citing rising memory and component costs, particularly for RAM. The price hikes affect models like the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro, with some seeing increases of up to $500. These cost adjustments are also impacting other tech manufacturers like Motorola and Samsung, with the PlayStation 5 and Steam Deck also facing price pressures.
Crimson Desert's AI Scandal Should Bother You More
The article criticizes the gaming industry's handling of generative AI use, highlighting Crimson Desert's scandal where Pearl Abyss unintentionally left AI-generated art in the game. It argues that the industry and players overlook AI use, citing Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's awards despite similar AI issues. The author expresses concern over the ethical implications, environmental impact, and the potential for AI to devalue human creativity in game development.
After apologizing for generative AI use, Ascendance of a Bookworm anime studio replaces its opening credits
Wit Studio has replaced the opening credits for the anime Ascendance of a Bookworm after apologizing for the use of generative AI in its background art. The studio confirmed AI was used and pledged to replace the affected art before the second episode and for all future releases.
Wit Studio Will Remove Ascendance of a Bookworm Anime AI Scenes
Wit Studio has confirmed the use of generative AI in the opening for season 4 of the Ascendance of a Bookworm anime and will replace these scenes with hand-drawn art starting with the second episode. The studio apologized for the usage, citing a failure in its quality control process, and has removed the AI-generated sequences from official channels.
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain is "looking forward" to generative AI for games, TV, and his doctor appointments in dire predictions: "Like a game and you want more content? It'll just generate it"
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain expresses anticipation for a future where generative AI creates games, TV shows, and even medical diagnoses, envisioning dynamic content generation for entertainment and personalized healthcare. He predicts AI will allow players to customize game mechanics and storylines, and for dead MMOs to be revived with AI-generated players. Cain also suggests AI could serve as personalized diagnosticians and nutritionists, though he acknowledges the need for regulation and raises questions about creator compensation.
Attack on Titan studio apologizes and heads back to the drawing board after using generative AI in an anime opening
Wit Studio has apologized for using generative AI in the opening sequence of the latest season of its anime series, Ascendance of a Bookworm. The studio launched an internal investigation after viewers on Reddit and other platforms noticed AI-generated details. The studio is reportedly heading back to the drawing board following the backlash.
Phantom Blade Zero developer rejects gen-AI and promises "every single piece of content in our game has been crafted by the hands of real artists"
Developer S-Game has stated that Phantom Blade Zero will not use generative AI in its development, with CEO Qiwei Liang emphasizing that all content is crafted by human artists. The studio highlighted its commitment to authenticity, from 3D scanned character models and motion capture to hand-drawn in-game maps. Phantom Blade Zero is set to release on PlayStation 5 and PC on September 9.
Gunzilla called out, Netflix's surprise app store surge, and indie publishers rise up - Patch Notes #47
Gunzilla Games faces accusations from former employees regarding unpaid wages, while Netflix's new 'Playground' app for children and its virtual game controller app have seen significant success. Additionally, indie developers Black Tabby Games and Landfall have launched new publishing labels, signaling a growing trend in the independent sector.
