NieR Director Yoko Taro Worries Game Creators Will Lose Jobs Because of AI, Leading To Them Being 'Treated Like Bards'

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games is becoming an increasingly hot topic, with prominent voices in the industry, including NieR series director Yoko Taro, expressing concerns about its impact on game creators. In a recent interview at Famitsu, as translated by Automaton, a group of renowned Japanese game developers discussed the future of game creation in light of AI's rapid evolution. The panel included Yoko Taro, Kotaro Uchikoshi (known for Zero Escape and AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble).

When asked about the future of adventure games, Uchikoshi and Yoko Taro shared their thoughts on AI. Uchikoshi noted, "There’s a lot of new games I want to create, but with AI technology evolving at such a high speed, I fear that there is a possibility that AI-generated adventure games will become mainstream." He emphasized that while current AI struggles to match the "outstanding writing" of human creators, preserving the "human touch" remains vital to differentiate from AI-generated content.

Yoko Taro echoed these concerns, stating, "I, too, believe that game creators may lose their jobs because of AI. There’s a chance that in 50 years, game creators will be treated like bards." Both Yoko and Ishii agreed that AI might be able to replicate the intricate worlds and narratives of their games, but Kodaka offered a different perspective. He argued that even if AI could mimic their styles, it wouldn't possess the creative essence of a true creator. He compared this to how others might write in David Lynch's style, but Lynch himself could innovate and remain authentic.

Yoko Taro proposed using AI to generate new scenarios within games, like additional routes in an adventure game. However, Kodaka pointed out that this personalization could diminish the shared experience that games traditionally offer.

The conversation around AI in game development extends beyond this panel. Notable creators and companies have been exploring and discussing the role of AI, including large language models and other generative systems. Capcom and Activision have experimented with AI, while Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has acknowledged its potential for creative uses, though he also highlighted concerns about intellectual property rights. Both Microsoft and PlayStation have also contributed to the ongoing dialogue about AI's place in the gaming industry.