Game studio executives have high expectations for Generative AI and what it could mean for Game developmentIn Christoph Hartmann’s case, this technology could help the industry get out of its creative dead end.
In conversation with IGNThe CEO of Amazon Games said he hopes genAI can lead to new game ideas. In his view, using genAI has “nothing to do with taking anyone’s job away” and would be extremely helpful in ensuring the industry doesn’t become “boring.”
With games competing for oxygen with so many things like social media, Hartmann believes reinvention is essential. At the same time, he knows that genAI is not a magic solution, but it can at least bring new collaboration and shorter (but perhaps still expensive) development times.
“We as an industry definitely need to innovate on many levels to move faster and also be willing to take more risks,” he explained. “If (genAI) takes anything away, it’s the boring parts.”
What is considered “boring?” He believes localization is another area where technology could be “super helpful,” especially in countries where localization is not a priority.
A Opinion poll from earlier this week found that 30 percent of developers surveyed share Hartmann’s hope that genAI can reduce budgets. At the same time, 8 percent believe that games more expensive, while 20 percent doubt that it will have any effect.
At the same time, the creative benefits are being examined more closely. Thirty-five percent of developers believe that genAI could lead to lower quality titles, and Good Afternoon’s Sarah Brin believes that technology is a creative dead zone.
Although he advocates for the integration of genAI into game development, Hartmann reiterated his belief in the “uniqueness” of human creativity, even as “the machine gets very close” to parity.
“There is always something special. Humans will always be one step ahead. (…) I don’t think genAI will be able to translate these unique things into fresh ideas. If you find it in designing games, the games will always be the same.”
Hartmann’s full interview with IGN, where he discusses his future plans as editor, can be found here Here.
