The Danger
Generative AI has gone from simply a plot in an Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie to a very real technological marvel in the modern age. However, as with everything, it has received mixed opinions. From creating fake audio of Drake and The Weeknd to album art, Generative AI has seemed dangerously limitless, and now it has made its way to the gaming world.
The Technical
It has many perks in the gaming world. Both single and multiplayer gaming would not have the same effect if it wasn’t for this revolution. AI speeds up production for developers, saving time, money and stress for employees, something that has been all too prominent in recent years (for example, Rockstar employees surrounding GTA VI). However, Generative AI also has the potential to create a more immersive experience for gamers. Procedural Generation is a process aided by Generative AI to create vast and unpredictable environments. Its algorithm can also be used to create more interesting and diverse NPCs that can generate life-like conversations, which are examples of Voice Synthesis and Personality Generation. Forbes Magazine reported on Lords of the Fallen utilising Generative AI in the early stages of their production to create prototype voices for NPCs that then get carried into recording by professional actors which “goes to show how generative AI can be a useful tool for faster prototyping, thereby helping to get new projects off the ground quicker”.
The Solution
Developers need to be mindful of their usage of Generative AI. The driving force behind the stories and experiences of gaming is humanity. Without that core aspect at the helm, the emotion behind gaming could be lost to a more stale and artificial experience. Furthermore, the algorithm will only determine certain characteristics of different stories and genres worthy of mentioning. Consequently, a lack of originality could present itself as a real problem should developers rely solely on its power.
Another article you may enjoy: Who Owns Your Voice?