Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Half-Life 2 Writer Says Valve Is Quietly Testing Generative AI for Game Writing
Valve is reportedly exploring the use of generative AI in game development, with veteran writer Erik Wolpaw confirming that a small group is experimenting with the technology. Wolpaw believes AI is currently not capable of 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 possibilities rather than immediate integration.
The Expanse: Oriris Reborn reveals plot and gameplay details along with closed beta date
Owlcat Games revealed new details for The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a third-person shooter RPG set in the universe of James S.A. Corey's novels. The game will feature combat similar to Mass Effect, player choices influencing the narrative, and a closed beta starting April 22, 2026. The full release is planned for southern hemisphere autumn 2027 on PlayStation 5, PC, and Xbox Series X/S, with a day one Game Pass release.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn’s Development Involved Generative AI For Prototypes, Placeholders
Owlcat Games has confirmed that its upcoming RPG, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, utilized generative AI for early-stage development, including prototyping and placeholder assets. The studio emphasizes that no AI-generated assets will be present in the final game, with all final content being human-made. This approach contrasts with some industry figures like Todd Howard of Bethesda Game Studios, who expressed caution about AI's role in game development, and Strauss Zelnick of Take-Two Interactive, who stated Rockstar Games is not using AI for creative aspects of Grand Theft Auto 6.
The Expanse: Osiris Reborn Won’t Have Time Management, Will Show Cutscenes During Space Travel
Owlcat Games has confirmed that The Expanse: Osiris Reborn will not feature a time management mechanic during space travel, instead opting for cutscenes to depict the passage of time and crew activities. Game design director Leonid Rastorguev stated that the focus will be on atmosphere and immersion, adhering to the grounded, scientifically accurate setting of The Expanse. The studio also clarified its use of generative AI, confirming it's limited to early prototyping and placeholder assets, with all final content being human-made.
"Everything in the final version will definitely 100% be human made" - But Owlcat says gen-AI is being used during The Expanse: Osiris Reborn development
Owlcat Games has confirmed the use of generative AI during the development of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, primarily for prototyping and technical iteration, with all final assets being human-made. The studio previously clarified its AI usage in a job posting, assuring that artists would not be replaced and that AI would only serve as a tool for inspiration and speeding up internal processes. The game is set to release in spring 2027 for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox Series S/X, with a closed beta available next month for pre-purchasers.
Valve Is Experimenting With GenAI To Help With Situational Dialogue, Half-Life 2 Writer Says
Valve is experimenting with generative AI for situational dialogue in games, according to writer Erik Wolpaw. While acknowledging AI's current limitations in creative writing, Wolpaw believes it could assist in generating character reactions based on in-game events. This exploration comes amid broader industry discussions and controversies surrounding AI in game development, including its use in art and potential impact on jobs.
Generative AI assets won't be seen in Capcom games
Capcom has stated that it will not use AI-generated assets in its games, following concerns raised by the use of generative AI in titles like Crimson Desert and Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology. While the company will not incorporate AI assets directly, it plans to utilize generative AI technology to improve efficiency and productivity in game development, particularly in the idea creation process.
'Cripple their sales, tank their stock price. Stop collaborating with them as developers': New Blood CEO on…
New Blood Interactive co-founder Dave Oshry and developer David Szymanski have voiced strong criticism against Nvidia's new DLSS 5 AI rendering technology. They argue that the AI-driven approach disrespects artistic intent, potentially devalues game art, and that features like DLSS are becoming effectively mandatory in modern games, despite their performance and visual drawbacks.
Imagine GTA with AI-generated characters "just going along with whatever insane thing you say," muses Valve writer, absent-mindedly spotlighting what terrifies me about genAI
Valve writer Erik Wolpaw is experimenting with generative AI, believing it has potential for creating more reactive NPCs in games like Grand Theft Auto and Left 4 Dead. While not currently a concerted effort by Valve, Wolpaw sees AI's strength in adjusting to player actions rather than creative writing. He notes that while expensive, AI could simulate characters reacting to player input in real-time, a significant challenge in game development.
Speculation over DLSS 5 originally being an RTX 6090 feature is growing, but I wouldn't even want it near my future…
Speculation suggests that Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology, which incorporates generative AI features, was originally intended for a future RTX 6090 graphics card but was pushed forward. This move is seen as Nvidia's attempt to reinforce its generative AI narrative within the consumer segment and potentially address component shortages impacting next-generation GPU releases. The author expresses personal reservations about the technology and its implementation.
Half-Life 2 writer says Valve devs have "been looking" at gen AI for help with video game writing: "It's the one place where I feel like AI is worth investigating"
Valve writer Erik Wolpaw stated that a small group within the company has been exploring generative AI for potential applications in game writing. While acknowledging its limitations in creative tasks, Wolpaw believes AI could be a valuable tool for simulating real-time character reactions and NPC dialogue, deeming it the most promising area for AI investigation in game development.
Capcom isn't completely abandoning generative AI, but has promised fans it won't use AI assets in games
Capcom has assured fans that it will not use generative AI for game content, despite its continued use of Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology. The company plans to leverage AI to enhance development productivity in areas like graphics, sound, and programming, but will not implement AI-generated materials directly into games.
AI Yi-Yi!
Capcom announced its intention to utilize generative AI to accelerate game production. In related news, NVIDIA has donated a dynamic resource allocation driver for GPUs to the Kubernetes community, advancing open-source AI development.
Tencent's genAI animation tools don't seem to make games more fun
Tencent's new generative AI animation tools, demonstrated at GDC, aim to create more realistic character movements by dynamically generating in-between frames. While the technology can reduce animation imperfections like clipping and sliding, the article questions whether these improvements fundamentally enhance gameplay fun or are primarily for investor appeal. Concerns are also raised about the ethical implications of training data and fair compensation for performers whose movements are used.
Capcom says it "will not implement any generative AI assets" into its games
Capcom has stated it will not implement generative AI assets into its games but is experimenting with the technology to improve development efficiency. Separately, Nintendo is reportedly reducing Switch 2 production due to weaker-than-expected holiday sales, particularly in the US, despite maintaining confidence in the console's long-term prospects.
GenAI In Games? Most Players Just Don't Care, Study Finds
A recent study indicates that the majority of video game players are indifferent to the use of generative AI in game development, with only a vocal minority expressing strong opposition. While sentiment against AI is growing, with over 25% of players less likely to purchase games using it, many remain neutral or unsure. Developers, however, perceive generative AI as a significant threat to the industry.
Crimson Desert Reaches Another Sales Milestone
Pearl Abyss announced that its RPG Crimson Desert has surpassed 3 million copies sold worldwide since its release on March 19. The developer is actively incorporating fan feedback into updates and has apologized for and is auditing the game's use of generative AI. A GameSpot review scored the game a 7/10, praising its open world and combat but noting narrative and quality-of-life issues.
Square Enix partners with Google for new Slime AI chatbot in Dragon Quest
Square Enix is partnering with Google to integrate its Gemini AI into the Japanese-exclusive MMORPG Dragon Quest 10. The AI companion, named 'Chatty Slimey', will generate text and voice responses, and can initiate conversations based on in-game events. Meanwhile, Capcom has stated it will not use AI-generated assets in its games but will leverage AI for development efficiency.
Capcom says it will use generative AI to speed up production
Capcom plans to actively utilize generative AI to improve game development efficiency and productivity, while assuring that no AI-generated assets will be implemented into game content. The company is currently testing various usage methods across graphics, sound, and programming departments. This follows discussions from last year where a Capcom technical director showcased a system using AI models to generate and evaluate ideas for in-game environments.
After all that furore over Nvidia's AI-powered DLSS 5 makeover of Resident Evil Requiem, Capcom promises gen-AI assets won't be part of its games any time soon
Capcom has stated it will not implement generative AI-created assets into its games, though it will use other AI tools to improve development efficiency. The company plans to explore generative AI for idea generation in collaboration with Google. This stance comes after controversy surrounding Nvidia's AI upscaling in Resident Evil 4 and similar issues with Pearl Abyss's Crimson Desert.
