Tag: AI in gaming

  • New Blood CEO Criticizes NVIDIA DLSS 5: Who Actually Asked For This?

    New Blood CEO Criticizes NVIDIA DLSS 5: Who Actually Asked For This?

    Key Takeaway

    1. Industry figures like David Oshry and David Szymanski criticize Nvidia’s DLSS 5 for blurring lines between traditional upscaling and generative AI, questioning its designation and impact on game quality.
    2. Developers are urged to push back against DLSS 5 commercially and creatively, advocating for higher native hardware performance instead of relying on AI-driven enhancements.
    3. Concerns are raised about the potential negatively affecting game clarity, accessibility, and originality due to the steep tradeoffs associated with the new DLSS technology.

    Industry Leaders Voice Concerns Over Nvidia’s DLSS 5

    Recently, prominent figures in the gaming development world, including New Blood Interactive’s CEO, David Oshry, and David Szymanski, creator of Dusk, have openly criticized Nvidia’s upcoming DLSS 5 technology. They argue that the new feature, scheduled for release this fall with the RTX 50-series GPUs, blurs the lines between traditional rendering and AI enhancement, raising worries about artistic integrity and transparency. The new iteration aims to combine photorealistic levels of lighting and detail, but some developers feel it crosses ethical boundaries they believe previously did not exist.

    Developer Reactions and Concerns

    • New Blood Interactive, known for its indie hits reminiscent of PS1-style graphics such as ULTRAKILL and Gloomwood, strongly oppose the technology. Oshry questioned the necessity and transparency, saying, “Please tell me what generative AI has to do with Deep Learning Super Sampling.”
    • He emphasized transparency by suggesting that if Nvidia had called it “Generative Upscaling,” the backlash might have been different but still problematic. He criticized Nvidia’s branding as misleading, asserting, “We all have working eyes and can see exactly what we think it is.”
    • To counteract DLSS 5, Oshry suggests that developers and players should “vote with our wallets” by boycotting the technology and advocating for hardware improvements, like increased native performance and cost reductions, instead of relying on AI upscaling.
    • He compared current trends to past battles against microtransactions and loot boxes, urging the community to resist what he perceives as exploitative practices in game development.

    Industry Divergence and Support

    Despite the pushback from some developers, others believe Nvidia’s technology will prevail. For example, the director of Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 stated, “Haters won’t be able to stop this,” signifying confidence that DLSS 5’s adoption is inevitable. This divide highlights ongoing tensions in the industry regarding AI’s role in game graphics.

    Szymanski’s Perspective on Optional Features

    Szymanski voiced concerns that claims of DLSS 5 being optional are misleading. He compared it to real-time global illumination, which is often touted as optional but practically essential in modern games. He commented, “Games are now built to lean on those technologies,” suggesting that AI upscaling is becoming a core feature rather than a choice. While acknowledging DLSS 4.5’s benefits, Szymanski pointed out that these advancements come with significant compromises in clarity and accessibility, impacting the overall player experience.

    The Artistic Future of Gaming

    Oshry further criticized Nvidia’s direction by sarcastically questioning if developers should abandon traditional game art altogether, suggesting an AI-driven art approach could replace human creativity. He questioned the purpose of craftsmanship in game design when AI might generate visuals automatically, reflecting ongoing debates about the future landscape of game art and AI’s role within it.

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  • Razer CEO: Gamers Dislike AI Slop Despite $600M AI Investment

    Razer CEO: Gamers Dislike AI Slop Despite $600M AI Investment

    Key Takeaways

    1. Razer’s CEO, Min-Liang Tan, is investing nearly $600 million in artificial intelligence to improve gaming experiences.
    2. Tan acknowledges gamer dissatisfaction with low-quality AI-generated content, referred to as “generative AI slop.”
    3. There is a gap between gamer expectations and current AI integration in gaming; gamers seek engaging and immersive experiences.
    4. Razer aims to use AI tools to assist developers in quality assurance and error-checking, enhancing game quality.
    5. Despite concerns about an “AI bubble,” Razer is actively exploring AI features, including AI buttons in mice and a dedicated website for AI projects.

    Razer’s CEO, Min-Liang Tan, is exploring the world of artificial intelligence with a significant investment of nearly $600 million in the field. When asked why, Tan explained that even though gamers are tired of “generative AI slop,” the technology can still help developers create superior gaming experiences.

    A Conversation with The Verge

    In a recent interview on The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Tan discussed the resistance many people feel towards AI in the gaming industry. He highlighted the notable distinction between poor-quality content and valuable, effective uses of AI in game design. With this in mind, Tan has plans to employ 150 AI engineers as part of the investment initiative.

    Clarifying Gamer Concerns

    During the interview, Tan made it clear that there’s a gap between what gamers desire and how companies are currently integrating AI into gaming. He remarked:

    So, I would say that the question is: ‘What are we unhappy with?’ When I say ‘we,’ I mean us as gamers. I think we’re unhappy with generative AI slop, right? Just to put it out there. And that’s something I’m unhappy with.

    As a fellow gamer, I want to feel engaged when I play. I crave immersion and competitiveness. I don’t want to be presented with character models that have extra fingers or poorly written narratives. We’re all on the same page when it comes to rejecting generative AI slop that’s just produced from a few prompts.

    Embracing Supportive Tools

    Tan went on to say:

    What we aren’t against, at least from my perspective, are tools that help augment or support and help game developers make great games. And I think that’s fundamentally what we are talking about at Razer, right?

    If we could have AI tools that assist game developers in quality assurance faster and more effectively, helping to eliminate bugs, I believe we all would be on board. If we can provide developers with the means to create better games and check for errors, I think we all desire that. That’s how I see it.

    Despite concerns from gamers and critics about the potential for an “AI bubble” that might burst due to a lack of perceived value in the technology, Razer is still trying to take advantage of the current AI excitement. The company has incorporated features like AI buttons in some of its mice and launched a dedicated website, Razer.ai, to showcase its more ambitious projects under this technology.

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  • Director of The Witcher 3: AI Games Lack Soul and Depth

    Director of The Witcher 3: AI Games Lack Soul and Depth

    Key Takeaways

    1. AI is becoming an important part of the gaming industry, enhancing various game features.
    2. Konrad Tomaszkiewicz believes AI should assist creators rather than replace them.
    3. He used AI for initial character voice testing in his project, The Blood of Dawnwalker.
    4. Tomaszkiewicz emphasizes that creativity and emotional expression in games cannot be replicated by AI.
    5. While AI can be a useful support tool, games created solely by AI may lack emotional depth.

    Artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing and increasingly becoming a significant part of the gaming industry. Many games are now incorporating this technology to enhance various features. Nevertheless, a number of gamers are not fond of AI, and recently, Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, the director of The Witcher 3, shared his thoughts on this matter with Eurogamer.

    AI in Game Development

    To start, he discussed The Blood of Dawnwalker, where he utilized AI during the character voice testing phase before bringing on actual actors. This allowed him to gain an initial perspective. He then expressed a clear stance regarding this technology:

    “But regarding this matter, I think AI should assist people and not take their place. If we can utilize AI to simplify life for people… I’m not completely against AI, but it needs to develop into a tool that supports us, like Google Translate, rather than something that infringes on authors’ rights and generates graphics or animations by learning from human creations.”

    The Role of Creativity

    Additionally, he emphasized that creative individuals will always have a place that AI cannot fill. He believes that every game should express emotions, something this technology is incapable of achieving. In conclusion, while he thinks that games made by AI will lack soul, he acknowledges that this technology could be beneficial as a support tool. It remains to be seen how AI will reshape the industry in the future and what the implications may be.

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  • Hideo Kojima: AI as a Friend in Game Development Creativity

    Hideo Kojima: AI as a Friend in Game Development Creativity

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hideo Kojima views AI as a collaborative “friend” that enhances efficiency in game development rather than a threat to human creativity.
    2. Many companies, including Activision and Capcom, are increasingly using AI for tasks like developing game engines and generating assets.
    3. Kojima believes AI can streamline repetitive tasks, allowing creators to focus on the main creative aspects of game design.
    4. He emphasizes a balanced approach to automation, using AI as a tool for efficiency rather than a complete replacement for human roles.
    5. Despite challenges in production, Kojima aims for greater realism in future projects while maintaining human creativity as a priority.

    Hideo Kojima has recently shared an encouraging perspective on artificial intelligence, seeing it not as a danger to the gaming industry or to human creativity, but rather as a collaborative “friend” that can assist with the more tedious parts of game development.

    Kojima’s Unique Perspective

    In a recent chat with Wired Japan, Kojima pointed out that while numerous people in the industry employ AI to generate ideas, his viewpoint is somewhat different. He remarked, “Many individuals use AI in creative tasks to generate concepts. However, I perceive AI more as a companion… I would take charge of the creative aspects and utilize AI to enhance efficiency.”

    AI’s Growing Influence

    Kojima’s views about AI and its function in creative processes come at a time when various companies, including Activision, Level-5, and Capcom, are incorporating AI. A recent study conducted in June and July revealed that 32% of CESA member companies are utilizing AI for developing in-house game engines, expanding visual game assets, generating text, and aiding in programming.

    It’s rather astonishing to see how entrenched AI is becoming in gaming, especially when some companies have been quite transparent about their utilization of AI in almost everything from visual enhancement to code generation, even with ongoing pushback from users and developers across different platforms.

    Streamlining Game Development

    Kojima’s approach demonstrates how AI can streamline repetitive tasks such as animation, motion capture, and NPC behaviors without replacing the main creative process in video game creation.

    He further expressed in the Wired interview,

    “I would prefer AI to take care of the monotonous assignments. That would decrease costs and save time. It’s not just about using it; it’s more like co-creating with AI. I envision a future where I remain one step ahead, collaborating with AI.”

    A Balanced View on Automation

    Kojima’s viewpoint regarding AI starkly contrasts with the push for complete automation in certain areas, viewing AI as a tool for improving efficiency rather than a total replacement. For example, during the production of Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Kojima Productions used machine learning to scan actors, including Elle Fanning and Shioli Kutsuna, to create digital replicas.

    Even though Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has received acclaim for its stunning visuals, lifelike character models, and facial animations, Kojima himself considers the result to be “okay” and aspires for even more realism in future projects like OD and Physint.

    Challenges in Production

    At the New Global Sport Conference in Riyadh this past August, he talked about some hurdles faced during the production of Death Stranding 2, stating:

    “We scanned and created a rig, an AI machine learning rig. It took us a lot of time to ensure we scanned them into digital form but also kept them moving in a natural way. It took a great deal of time. Looking back, it’s okay. But for my next project, I want to achieve more realism.”

    Debates surrounding AI in the gaming industry continue to rage on, even as it remains a major factor behind layoffs in an industry that’s struggling to achieve sustainable profitability. While some developers are pushing for total automation, Kojima’s vision of using AI as a co-creator could potentially help lower game development costs while ensuring that human creativity remains at the forefront of innovation.

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  • Baldur’s Gate 3 Director on Elon Musk’s AI Game: Leadership Issues

    Baldur’s Gate 3 Director on Elon Musk’s AI Game: Leadership Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Elon Musk’s company xAI plans to launch an entirely AI-generated video game by 2026.
    2. Industry expert Michael Douse expresses skepticism, believing the gaming industry needs leadership and vision more than new technology.
    3. Douse highlights that while AI can assist in game development, it cannot replace human creativity and the unique ability to craft engaging experiences.
    4. Current gaming approaches often rely on algorithms and data, which may keep players interested but lack meaningful depth.
    5. Douse asserts that AI can help streamline development, but true innovation requires a human touch and cannot solve the industry’s fundamental issues.

    Elon Musk is embarking on a new venture, as he has recently revealed that his company, xAI, is set to launch a completely AI-generated video game by 2026. The goal is to demonstrate that artificial intelligence can independently create a full game, however, not everyone is thrilled about this idea.

    Industry Skepticism

    Michael Douse, the publishing director at Larian Studios, which developed Baldur’s Gate 3, took to social media to express his perspective on Musk’s announcement. Douse feels that the gaming industry does not require more technology. He acknowledges that while AI can be useful as a tool, it won’t address the significant issues related to leadership and vision within the industry.

    “AI has its place as a tool, but we have all the tools in the world and they aren’t compensating for the incredible lack of cogent direction. AI isn’t going to solve the big problem of the industry, which is leadership & vision.”

    The Need for Human Creativity

    Douse went on to mention that many games are currently created using algorithms, data, and various techniques to keep players engaged. While this approach may be effective for maintaining interest, it fails to create meaningful gaming experiences. He emphasized that the key lies in having individuals who can craft immersive worlds that players are eager to discover. Although AI can aid in this process, it cannot substitute for human creativity.

    “Genuinely what this industry needs is not more mathematically produced, psychologically trained gameplay loops, rather more expressions of worlds that folks are engaged with, or want to engage with.”

    The Role of AI in Development

    AI certainly has the potential to help developers streamline their work, but as Douse points out, “There is no craft without the human touch.” It lacks the ability to replace the enthusiasm, vision, and leadership necessary for true innovation, and it will not address the underlying issues that are hindering the industry’s progress.

    Michael Douse via X

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  • PlayStation Boosts AI Use to Speed Up Game Development and Cut Costs

    PlayStation Boosts AI Use to Speed Up Game Development and Cut Costs

    In the latest Corporate Report 2024, released on September 13, 2024, Sony outlines its vision for an entertainment company that aligns with societal changes and advancements in technology. The report highlights the significant roles that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will play, particularly in the gaming industry.

    Advancements in Game Development

    Sony aims to incorporate technologies like real-time 3D processing and sensor technology into its game development processes. The objective is to accelerate production times and lower expenses while maintaining high standards of quality. An example mentioned in the report is the making of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, where speech recognition software was utilized to automatically sync subtitles with character dialogues. This innovation considerably shortens the time required for development.

    Innovative Capture Techniques

    Additionally, Sony is investing in the Volumetric Capture Studio, which is designed to collect 3D data of people and settings to create images and 3D assets. This captured data will be utilized throughout the company and may also be offered for sale externally. In partnership with Epic Games, Sony is exploring the Unreal Engine to repurpose 3D elements from music video production for use in video games.

    Ethical Considerations in AI Use

    The application of AI in game development presents significant possibilities but also raises important ethical discussions. A major concern includes the potential displacement of jobs, along with worries that AI might hinder the creative process for developers. Proponents argue that AI can help eliminate monotonous tasks, giving developers more time to concentrate on creative projects. A conversation about Sony’s increased reliance on AI has already begun on Reddit.

    Image source: PlayStation, Frank_Reppold / Pixabay

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