Game development companies are increasingly integrating generative AI into their technology as a tool for creators. This is despite some criticism from gamers who argue that AI should not be used at the expense of human game developers. Companies like Unity, Epic Games, Roblox, and Ubisoft have all incorporated various AI integrations to help make development faster and easier.
One company that has come under fire for its use of AI is Squanch Games. The company was criticized for the use of AI-created art in its game High On Life, with players questioning why AI should be used at all when developers could do the job by themselves. Justin Roiland, then-CEO of Squanch Games, defended their choice by citing the otherworldly art as a perfect addition to their alien planet setting.
Meanwhile, Ninja Theory faced criticism for incorporating a library created by Altered AI to create vocal performances. The studio clarified later that the technology was only used as placeholder content. Additionally, many artists condemned the use of potentially copyrighted images as training data for the AI art. This issue was further discussed at the United States Copyright Office in a case involving the comic book, “Zarya of the Dawn,” where it was established that only images from the author’s hand could be copyrighted.
At the recent Games Developers Conference, generative AI was a focus of discussion. Companies like NCSoft, Epic Games, and Unity revealed AI-based facial animation and sound technologies that generate dialogue and movements. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney noted the importance of fair use when it comes to AI tools, as it would be wrong for Epic to act as a gatekeeper.
Another company that is leveraging AI is Ubisoft, which recently debuted its natural language generation tool “Ghostwriter”. This AI provides NPC “barks”, or short phrases that appear in response to a trigger in-game. Ubisoft assures its consumers that this AI isn’t intended to replace the game developer, but to instead accommodate larger and more complex worlds.
Roblox has also been making strides in using generative AI coding tools. Its developers recently rolled out a material generator that can simulate lighting, AI code assist that can speed up coding, and more. Roblox is a platform of millions of developers, so their integration of AI helps them tap into the value of scaling up narrative systems.
Overall, more and more game developers and publishers are openly using generative AI tools. Unlike before, these companies are moving past criticism and are proactively highlighting the advantages of generative AI for game development.
Kristina Kashtanova is the comic book author who wrote the “Zarya of the Dawn”. She wrote for Marvel, DC Comics and also writes novels.
Yuri Lowenthal is a voice actor, who articulated his views on the use of AI for works that could have been professionally done by actors. He has contributed to major Hollywood films and video games, notable franchises such as Naruto, Spiderman and Assassin’s Creed to name a few.
