Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Fortnite Maker Confirms How It Uses Generative AI to Help Create Concept Art and Designs for New Skins
Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, has revealed its use of generative AI tools in the creation of concept art and designs for new character skins and in-game locations. This provides a behind-the-scenes look at their design process.
The Sunday Papers
This article rounds up several gaming-related news items and discussions. It covers how Pokémon Go data might be used for military drone training, developers discussing the creation of discovery in games, concerns about generative AI's impact on the tech industry, and an oral history of the game Spore. Additionally, it touches on gamification and data collection in relation to word puzzles and a review of C. Thi Nguyen's book 'The Score'.
"There's nothing worse than an AI-generated pitch": Bloober, Jagex, 11 bit and indie devs on the bruising hurdle of funding a videogame prototype
Independent game developers face significant hurdles in securing funding for prototypes, with many publishers requiring playable builds before committing to a project. Companies like Bloober Team, Jagex, and 11 bit studios acknowledge the necessity of prototypes but express concerns about the increasing reliance on generative AI for their creation. While AI tools can boost productivity, publishers are wary of AI-generated pitches, as they offer less proof of a team's genuine capabilities and artistic vision, leading to a more risk-averse industry.
Assassin's Creed creator Patrice Désilets' new and witchy 1666: Amsterdam demo raises more questions than answers
Patrice Désilets' long-awaited game, 1666: Amsterdam, has resurfaced with a playable prologue and an early access release planned for later this year. The game, which was originally conceived at Ubisoft before Désilets founded Panache Digital, features a witch-like protagonist and a narrative that spans multiple time periods. However, the prologue's release was met with controversy due to the apparent use of generative AI in its assets, leading to an apology from the studio, and a mixed reception on Steam has left many questioning the game's core mechanics and direction.
Playstack sold, Xbox announces business 'reset,' and is generative AI poisoning the well? - Patch Notes #56
Playstack has been sold to Integrated Media Company, with TruFin divesting its majority stake. Xbox announced a business 'reset' involving potential layoffs and studio closures, as confirmed by leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty. Concerns are also rising about generative AI's impact on the industry, with Take-Two's former head of AI, Luke Dicken, expressing worries about the current hype cycle.
AI Yi-Yi!
The former head of AI at Take-Two Interactive has expressed concerns that generative AI is 'poisoning the well' within the industry. This sentiment highlights ongoing debates about the impact and responsible implementation of AI technologies in game development.
"I look at AI almost like a toddler": OG Halo artist says game devs relying on AI for direction are in for…
Veteran Halo artist Eddie Smith warns game developers against over-reliance on generative AI for creative direction, comparing it to an unmanageable toddler. He argues that AI tools require extensive human oversight and touch-ups, and that foundational creative vision must come from human artists, not AI. Smith's comments come amid ongoing debates about AI's role in game development, citing controversies in titles like Kingdom Hearts 4 and Baldur's Gate 3.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis devs use generative AI to ‘get to right answers faster’ because figuring things out yourself is so old-fashioned now
Developers of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis are utilizing generative AI tools to accelerate their problem-solving process. The article suggests this approach is favored over traditional methods of figuring things out independently.
'AI Can Help Our Team Get to the Right Answers Faster': Tomb Raider PS5's Controversy Explained
Crystal Dynamics has clarified its use of generative AI in the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, stating it's a tool to help visualize concepts faster, with all final content being human-crafted. The article discusses the broader implications of AI in gaming and the need for developer transparency regarding its implementation.
Stranger Than Heaven director says GTA 6 may force devs to use generative AI
Masayoshi Yokoyama, Executive Director at Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, suggests that the immense scale of Grand Theft Auto 6 might compel developers to adopt generative AI for future game development to remain economically viable. While Stranger Than Heaven does not use AI, Yokoyama believes that if player expectations shift towards games of GTA 6's magnitude, generative AI could become a necessity for smaller teams to create comparable titles.
Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis developer explains generative AI use
Crystal Dynamics has confirmed the use of generative AI in the development of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a title announced for the Nintendo Switch 2. Director of experience Jeff Adams explained that AI tools are being used to create placeholder and testing assets, assuring that all final game assets will be human-crafted. This follows similar scrutiny for another upcoming game, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, highlighting ongoing industry debate about AI's role in game development.
Crimson Desert tops 6M sales within three months
Pearl Abyss's colossal RPG, Crimson Desert, has surpassed six million sales worldwide within three months of its March 19 launch. The game, developed by the studio behind Black Desert Online, has seen its Steam reviews improve to a 'Very Positive' rating. Pearl Abyss previously apologized for not disclosing the use of generative AI in the game's production.
Here’s How Generative AI Is Being Used In Tomb Raider: Legacy Of Atlantis
Crystal Dynamics confirmed that generative AI will be used in Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis for concept art and placeholder assets, but not for the design of Lara Croft herself. Experience director Jeff Adams stated that Lara is "100% human-crafted" and that AI serves as a tool for rapid visualization during early development. The game is set to release in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
"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.
