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

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the gaming industry has sparked significant discussions, with prominent figures like NieR series director Yoko Taro expressing concerns about its impact on game creators' jobs. In a recent interview at Famitsu, translated by Automaton, several acclaimed Japanese game developers known for their narrative prowess shared their insights on the future of game creation. The panel included Yoko Taro, Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape, AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble).

When asked about the future of adventure games, both Yoko Taro and Kotaro Uchikoshi delved into the topic of AI. Uchikoshi voiced his apprehension about AI-generated adventure games potentially becoming mainstream, given the rapid evolution of AI technology. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the "human touch" in game development, as current AI struggles to match the depth and creativity of human writing. Yoko Taro echoed these concerns, fearing that AI could lead to game creators losing their jobs, drawing a parallel to how bards were treated in the past.

The discussion extended to whether AI could replicate the intricate worlds and narrative twists characteristic of their works. Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii believed it was possible, whereas Kazutaka Kodaka argued that while AI might imitate their styles, it could not truly behave like a creator. He compared this to David Lynch, noting that while others might mimic Lynch's style, Lynch himself could innovate and maintain authenticity in his work.

Yoko Taro suggested using AI to generate new scenarios in adventure games, such as alternative routes. However, Kodaka pointed out that this personalization could diminish the shared experience that games often provide.

The debate over AI's role in gaming is not new, with various industry leaders and companies like Capcom, Activision, Microsoft, and PlayStation sharing their perspectives. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has also acknowledged the creative potential of generative AI, while highlighting concerns about intellectual property rights.