Yoko Taro Fears AI Will Jobless Game Creators, Reducing Them to 'Bards'

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games is becoming a hot topic of discussion, with prominent voices like NieR series director Yoko Taro expressing apprehension about its potential impact on the gaming industry. In a recent interview at Famitsu, translated by Automaton, several renowned Japanese game developers, including Yoko Taro, Kotaro Uchikoshi (known for Zero Escape and AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble), shared their insights on the future of game creation, particularly focusing on adventure games and the role of AI.

During the discussion, the group was prompted to envision the future of adventure games, leading to a deep dive into AI's role. Kotaro Uchikoshi voiced concerns about the rapid evolution of AI technology, suggesting that AI-generated adventure games could soon become mainstream. However, he noted that current AI struggles to produce writing that matches human creativity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a "human touch" in game development to stay ahead of technological advancements.

Yoko Taro echoed these concerns, warning that AI might lead to job losses for game creators. He speculated that in 50 years, game creators could be viewed similarly to bards, suggesting a significant shift in the perception and role of game developers.

When asked if AI could replicate the intricate worlds and narratives, including unexpected plot twists, of their works, Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii agreed it was possible. However, Kazutaka Kodaka argued that even if AI could mimic their styles and stories, it couldn't capture the essence of being a creator. He compared this to how other writers might emulate David Lynch's style, but Lynch himself could adapt and evolve his style while retaining its authenticity.

Yoko Taro suggested that AI could be used to generate new scenarios, such as additional routes in adventure games. Kodaka, however, pointed out that this personalization might detract from the shared experience that games often provide.

The conversation around AI in gaming extends beyond these creators. Companies like Capcom and Activision have been experimenting with AI, while Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has highlighted the creative potential of generative AI, albeit with concerns about intellectual property rights. Both Microsoft and PlayStation have also contributed to the ongoing discourse on AI's role in the gaming industry.