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

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into video games has sparked significant discussion, particularly among creators known for their narrative-driven works. In a recent interview at Famitsu, translated by Automaton, renowned Japanese game developers Yoko Taro (NieR series), Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape, AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble) shared their perspectives on the future of adventure games and the role of AI.

When asked about the potential impact of AI on game development, Uchikoshi expressed concern about the rapid evolution of AI technology. He fears that AI-generated adventure games could become mainstream, although he noted that current AI struggles to produce "outstanding writing" that matches human creativity. Uchikoshi emphasized the importance of maintaining a "human touch" in game development to stay ahead of technological advancements.

Yoko Taro echoed these concerns, suggesting that AI could lead to job losses for game creators. He speculated that in 50 years, game creators might be seen as bards, a profession often romanticized but not necessarily central to the industry. Both Yoko and Ishii acknowledged that AI could potentially imitate the complex worlds and narratives of their games, including their twists and turns.

However, Kodaka offered a different perspective, arguing that while AI might be able to mimic their styles and works, it wouldn't be able to embody the essence of a creator. He likened this to how other creators might write in the style of David Lynch, but Lynch himself could shift his style while still maintaining its authenticity.

The discussion also touched on the idea of using AI to generate personalized scenarios, such as different routes in adventure games. Kodaka pointed out that this approach could lead to games becoming less of a shared experience among players.

The conversation around AI in game development is not limited to these creators. Other industry giants, such as Capcom, Activision, and Nintendo, have also been exploring and commenting on the use of AI and large language models. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa highlighted the potential for generative AI to be used creatively, but also raised concerns about intellectual property rights. Microsoft and PlayStation have similarly engaged in discussions about the implications of AI in gaming.

As AI continues to evolve, its impact on game creation remains a topic of both excitement and concern, with creators striving to balance technological innovation with the unique human elements that define their craft.