Shams Jorjani, CEO of Arrowhead Game Studios, the creators of Helldivers 2, has voiced his support for the use of AI in game development, specifically referencing Arc Raiders. Jorjani believes that AI, when implemented thoughtfully, can "actually make gaming better" and that the current discourse surrounding the technology often falls into extreme viewpoints.
Key Takeaways
- AI can enhance gaming experiences by offering new functionalities.
- The debate around AI in gaming is often polarized, missing a middle ground.
- Ethical considerations, such as intellectual property and fair compensation, are crucial.
- AI can improve development efficiency, allowing creators to focus on core gameplay.
A Balanced Perspective on AI in Gaming
Jorjani argues that discussions about AI in the gaming industry tend to swing between two extremes: one side advocating for extensive automation in areas like QA testing, and the other expressing fears of AI threatening livelihoods. He suggests that a more balanced approach is necessary, questioning if "reality is somewhere in the middle."
Arc Raiders’ Innovative AI Implementation
He specifically highlighted Arc Raiders’ use of AI for generating certain voice lines, such as player pings and callouts. This feature allows players to communicate vocally without needing to use voice chat, thereby potentially enabling more people to connect with each other in games. Jorjani emphasized that while "we need to make sure that we’re not stealing people’s intellectual property and rights," the AI implementation in Arc Raiders is a "very interesting use case that actually makes gaming better."
Embark Studios, the developer of Arc Raiders, has clarified that while they utilize AI for text-to-speech generation of certain lines, real voice actors were hired and compensated for their involvement. This approach allows for dynamic vocalizations of in-game elements like item names and locations without requiring constant human input for new content.
Efficiency and Creativity
Jorjani also touched upon the broader implications of AI for game development studios. He stated that developers are always seeking ways to improve efficiency and reduce tedious tasks to focus more on creative aspects. While Arrowhead does not currently implement AI in its games, Jorjani sees its potential to streamline backend processes, ultimately leading to more resources for game development.
Contrasting Views on AI
This perspective contrasts with some other industry voices. For instance, the developers of the game Dispatch have expressed skepticism, viewing AI primarily as a "production solution, not a creative one." They believe AI cannot replicate the nuanced performances of human actors and are cautious about its integration, prioritizing human-made content. Despite these differing opinions, Jorjani maintains that a middle ground exists where AI can be used responsibly to benefit both developers and players.
