Lucas Pope, the creator of acclaimed titles like Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, has shared his thoughts on video game development and the growing concern about artificial intelligence in the industry. In a recent interview on the podcast Mike & Rami Are Still Here, Pope expressed his unease about the lack of communication regarding his upcoming projects, citing the fear that his ideas might be absorbed by AI or could be replicated before their release. “I don’t feel as comfortable talking about what I’m working on again,” he commented.
AI is ruining everything
Despite his reputation and the success of his previous works, Pope was reluctant to share details about his upcoming project, suggesting an internal pressure to match the high standards he has set. “Maybe I can’t do it again,” he reflected. With two titles that have been considered classics in the industry, the developer feels fortunate and has indicated that he prefers to leave a positive legacy rather than risk disappointing his fans with a new project.
However, Pope emphasized that he enjoys the creative process and prioritizes fun over financial pressures, a luxury that many developers do not have. “I’m finding the fun here,” he explained, referring to his recent years in development, which included innovative projects like Mars After Midnight.
With the industry constantly evolving and new technologies emerging, Pope is just a reflection of the concerns that many developers face today. As the specter of artificial intelligence looms over creatives, the future of video game development could be conditioned by a delicate balance between innovation and creative protection.
