Jacob Navok, former business director of Square Enix, has defended the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development, stating that the new generations of players do not seem to care significantly about this technology. In a recent statement, Navok argued that most players “do not care” about the use of AI and cited the commercial success of Arc Raiders, a title that prominently uses AI in its production.
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The development of Arc Raiders by Embark Studios has been the subject of polarized comments, especially due to its use of AI-generated voices. Despite having the resources to hire real voice actors, Embark has opted for a combination of recordings and text-to-speech technology in various aspects of its production process. This does not imply, according to its co-founders, the intention to replace actors.
However, not everyone in the industry shares Navok’s enthusiasm. Critical voices, such as John Buckley from Pocketpair, have questioned the value of generative AI in terms of creating game mechanics, suggesting that it represents a flawed approach. Despite this, companies like EA and Take-Two have expressed their interest in AI, committing to adopt it cautiously and with a balanced approach.
The debate over AI remains divisive, with a large number of developers and organizations expressing concerns about the unauthorized use of their intellectual property. Groups representing major names in the video game and anime industry, such as Studio Ghibli and Square Enix, have urged AI companies to avoid the misuse of their intellectual property.
As technology advances, the question of whether generative AI will become a staple in video game development or generate more resistance will remain a hot topic in the gaming community.
