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

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games has become a hot topic, with notable figures in the industry sharing their views. Yoko Taro, the director of the NieR series, has voiced concerns about AI potentially leading to job losses for game creators. In a recent interview with Famitsu, translated by Automaton, a group of Japanese game developers renowned for their narrative prowess, including Yoko Taro, Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape, AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble), delved into the future of adventure games and the role of AI in game development.

Kotaro Uchikoshi expressed apprehension about the rapid evolution of AI technology, suggesting that AI-generated adventure games might soon become mainstream. He acknowledged that while current AI struggles with achieving the level of writing that human creativity offers, maintaining a "human touch" will be essential to stay ahead of technological advancements. Yoko Taro echoed these concerns, fearing that AI could eventually replace game creators, potentially relegating them to the status of "bards" in 50 years.

When asked if AI could replicate the intricate worlds and narratives of their games, including unexpected plot twists, Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii agreed it was possible. However, Kazutaka Kodaka argued that while AI might imitate their styles, it wouldn't possess the essence of a creator. He likened this to how others might write in David Lynch's style, but Lynch himself could evolve his style while maintaining its authenticity.

Yoko Taro suggested using AI to generate new scenarios, such as alternate routes in adventure games. Yet, Kodaka pointed out that this personalization could dilute the shared experience that games traditionally offer.

The conversation around AI, large language models, and other generative systems continues to grow, with various industry leaders sharing their perspectives. Companies like Capcom and Activision have been experimenting with AI, while Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has noted the potential for creative uses of generative AI, though he also highlighted concerns about intellectual property rights. Both Microsoft and PlayStation have also contributed to the ongoing dialogue about AI's role in gaming.