Naughty Dog boss Neil Druckmann said AI would “revolutionize” the video game development process, but warned the controversial technology had “ethical issues”.
Druckmann, studio head and head of creative on The Last of Us and Uncharted developer Naughty Dog, issued the comment as part of an interview published by Sony about the company’s “Creative Entertainment Vision.” Druckmann was asked how he envisions “the fusion of storytelling and technology evolving over the next 10 years” as part of a Sony series that also revealed an idea for a futuristic PlayStation controller.
Here is Druckmann’s full response:
We see this exciting marriage of cutting-edge technology with traditional storytelling pushing us towards a future where enhanced fidelity is not just about achieving realism, but also expanding the spectrum from highly stylized visuals to ultra-realistic. This expansion of possibilities is fueled by increasingly accessible tools that allow even non-technical people to use their imaginations and create worlds and narratives to their liking.
Moreover, AI will truly revolutionize the way content is created, although it raises some ethical issues that we need to address. With technologies like AI and the ability to do motion capture right from home, we’re lowering both costs and technical hurdles, opening the door for us to take on more adventurous projects and push the boundaries of storytelling in games. This evolution truly empowers creators to bring their visions to life without traditional obstacles.
Later in the interview, Druckmann said that AI will allow Naughty Dog to “create nuanced dialogue and characters, expanding the creative possibilities”, but insisted that it is “crucial to target these tools precisely to achieve the intended results”.
“I emphasize mastering the fundamentals over the tools; with AI, your creativity defines the limits,” said Druckmann. “An understanding of art history, composition and storytelling is essential to effective directing. Tools evolve quickly – some tools that were once important are now obsolete. At Naughty Dog, we went from hand-animating ‘Jak and Daxter’ to using motion capture in ‘Uncharted,’” significantly improving our storytelling will allow us to create nuanced dialogue and characters, expanding creative possibilities, but it’s crucial importance to precisely target these tools to achieve the desired results.
Druckmann’s comments caused a stir online, especially in the video game community, where the impact of AI is perhaps the hottest topic. Developers and gamers have expressed concern about using AI to replace everything from voice acting to narrative design, but executives have continued to push it, telling the investment community that it will fundamentally change the way video games are made and, as Druckmann hints, cut costs.
As part of the same Sony series, head of PlayStation Productions and head of product at PlayStation Studios Asad Kizilbash weighed in on AI to say its use in video games is important to Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers who are looking for “customization in everything” .
“For example, non-player characters in games could interact with players based on their actions, making it feel more personal,” Qizilbash said. “This is important for the younger audience of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who are the first generations to grow up digitally and are looking for personalization in everything, as well as experiences that have more meaning.”
Earlier this month, EA boss Andrew Wilson told the investment community that “more than 50% of our development processes will be positively impacted by advances in generative AI.” Wilson, who oversees EA Sports FC games, The Sims and BioWare added that AI will make game development “more efficient”, revealing that EA Sports FC developers can now make stadiums in six weeks rather than six months.
Witcher voice actor Doug Cockle also expressed caution and frustration with the growing presence of AI in the video game industry, calling it “inevitable” but “dangerous.” Ironically, however, the biggest developer to use AI for voice acting so far is The Witcher studio CD Projekt Red, although this was only done to replace a deceased voice actor after obtaining permission from the family.
In March, video game support developer Keywords Studios tried to create a game using only artificial intelligence, but failed because technology “couldn’t replace talent”.
“One of the key lessons was that while Gen AI can simplify or speed up certain processes, the best results and required quality can only be achieved by experts in their field using Gen AI as a new, powerful tool in their creative process” , Keywords said.
Elsewhere in Druckmann’s interview, the Last of Us director teased Naughty Dog’s new game, saying it “could redefine basic perceptions of gaming.”
Wesley is the UK news editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can contact Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or privately at wyp100@proton.me.
