– Generative AI is unpredictable and can create messy, time-consuming troubleshooting for game developers.
– AI risks spoiling the next generation of developers by eliminating entry-level tasks needed for training.
– Many developers raise ethical concerns about AI, including plagiarism, environmental impact, and job security.
– Using AI for concept work or placeholders is controversial, as artists’ data is often used without consent.
– Some studios, like for Marvel Rivals and Crazy Taxi, use AI cautiously or avoid it to protect asset integrity and human artistry.
David Gaider Sounds Off on AI in Games
Former Dragon Age writer David Gaider is speaking out against generative AI in game development. While many argue it streamlines workflows, Gaider believes it will make processes messy, leading to inconcistencies and headaches, also spoiling the next generation of developers. For context, Gaider served as lead narrative designer on the first three Dragon Age games at BioWare and currently co-runs Summerfall Studios.
Unpredictable Tools and Frustration
He sat down with GamesRadar for an interview and discussed why developers and studios should keep their guard up with AI tools. According to Gaider, AI is unpredictible, and its answers are not always accurate. If it creates problems, it could lead teams into endless trouble shooting. He stated, “It would be frustrating as hell. It’s not ready for prime time.”
The Next Generation at Risk
During the interview, he also mentioned that executives really want AI to work. He pushed back on the narrative that AI will take over entry-level work. Gaider reiterated his position and said: “How are we going to train up the next generation of devs if we eliminate every entry-level task?” He has a fair point here, and he’s uneasy about using AI to churn out early concepts or placeholders.
Artists and Consent
He added that artists never consented to having their data pillaged to train AI models. Alongside Gaider, Dusk creator David Szymanski is neutral on the matter, stating he’s not against AI as a whole but refuses to hand-wave ethical concerns about plagiarism, environmental impact, and job security. More developers have been echoing similar statements.
Different Studios, Different Choices
Marvel Rivals executive producer Danny Koo stated his team skipped AI tools entirely to ensure game assets wouldn’t be “poisoned.” However, things have been different at Sega with Crazy Taxi: World Tour, which garnered skepticism after the Steam page revealed AI for background assets. Creator Kenji Kanno cleared the air, saying AI was only a starting point and human artists would do the final work.
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