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

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games has become a hot topic, with notable figures like NieR series director Yoko Taro expressing concerns about its impact on the industry. In a recent interview at Famitsu, translated by Automaton, a group of renowned Japanese game developers, including Yoko Taro, Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape, AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble), shared their insights on the future of adventure games and the role of AI.

When asked about the future of adventure games, both Yoko Taro and Kotaro Uchikoshi discussed the potential influence of AI. Uchikoshi expressed apprehension about the rapid evolution of AI technology, suggesting that AI-generated adventure games could become mainstream. However, he noted that current AI struggles to produce "outstanding writing" that matches human creativity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a "human touch" to stay ahead of technological advancements.

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." This statement highlights the fear that AI could replace human game creators, relegating them to a more traditional, less central role in the industry.

The discussion also touched on whether AI could replicate the intricate worlds and narratives of their games, including unexpected plot twists. Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii agreed that AI could potentially imitate their works, but Kazutaka Kodaka argued that AI would not be able to behave like a true creator. He compared this to how other creators might write in the style of David Lynch, but Lynch himself could still innovate and maintain authenticity in his unique style.

Yoko Taro suggested using AI to generate new scenarios, such as alternative routes in adventure games. However, Kodaka pointed out that this personalization could diminish the shared experience that games often provide.

The conversation around AI in gaming extends beyond this group of developers. Companies like Capcom and Activision have been experimenting with AI, while Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has acknowledged the creative potential of generative AI, though he also raised concerns about intellectual property rights. Both Microsoft and PlayStation have also contributed to the ongoing dialogue about AI's role in the gaming industry.

This discussion underscores the complex relationship between AI and game development, balancing the potential for innovation with the risks to traditional creative roles and the essence of shared gaming experiences.