Game studio executives have high hopes for Generative AI and what it could mean for Game DevelopmentIn the case of Christoph Hartmann, this technology could help the industry emerge from its creative doldrums.
Talking to IGNAmazon Games CEO said he hopes genAI can lead to new gameplay ideas. He said its use “has nothing to do with taking away anyone’s job” and would be extremely helpful in ensuring the industry doesn’t “get boring.”
With games competing for oxygen against so many things like social media, Hartmann thinks reinvention is key. At the same time, he knows genAI isn't a silver bullet, but it can at least foster new collaboration and shorter (but perhaps still costly) development times.
“We as an industry definitely need to innovate at many levels to develop faster and also be willing to take more risks,” he said. “If [genAI] “If anything is needed, it will be the boring parts.”
What does “boring” mean? He says localization is another area where technology could be “super useful,” especially in countries that don't prioritize localization.
A survey revealed earlier this week that 30 percent of developers surveyed share Hartmann's hope that GenAI will reduce budgets. At the same time, 8 percent believe it will make games Moreover expensive, while 20 percent doubt it will have an effect one way or another.
Meanwhile, its creative merits are coming under increased scrutiny. Thirty-five percent of developers think genAI could lead to lower-quality titles, and Good Afternoon's Sarah Brin believes that technology is a creative dead zone.
While supporting the integration of genAI into video game development, Hartmann reiterated his belief in the “uniqueness” of human creativity, even if “the machine is very close” to parity.
“There's always something special. Humans will always be one step ahead. […] I don't think genAI will be able to translate those unique things into new ideas. If you find him designing games, the game will always be the same.”
Hartmann's full interview with IGN, which covers his future plans as a publisher, can be read Here.