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

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

When asked about the future of adventure games, both Yoko Taro and Kotaro Uchikoshi delved into the topic of AI. Uchikoshi expressed his apprehension about the rapid evolution of AI technology, suggesting that AI-generated adventure games could become mainstream. However, he pointed out that current AI technology struggles to produce "outstanding writing" that matches human creativity. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a "human touch" in game development to stay ahead of technological advancements.

Yoko Taro echoed these concerns, stating that game creators might lose their jobs to AI in the future. He drew an analogy, suggesting that in 50 years, game creators might be treated similarly to bards—valued for their craft but perhaps not essential in the same way.

The conversation then shifted to whether AI could replicate the intricate worlds and stories, including the twists and turns, characteristic of these developers' works. Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii agreed that AI could potentially imitate their styles and narratives. However, Kazutaka Kodaka argued that while AI might be able to mimic their work, it would not be able to embody the essence of a creator. He compared this to how other writers might imitate David Lynch's style, but Lynch himself could evolve his style while still maintaining its authenticity and uniqueness.

Yoko Taro suggested using AI to generate new scenarios, such as alternative routes in adventure games, but Kodaka highlighted that this personalization could detract from the shared experience that games often provide.

The debate over AI in gaming is not limited to these creators. Other notable figures and companies, including Capcom, Activision, and Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, have also shared their perspectives. Furukawa noted that while generative AI could be used in "creative ways," it also raises significant concerns about intellectual property rights. Both Microsoft and PlayStation have also contributed to the ongoing discussion about AI's role in the gaming industry.