Tag: Nexon

The former CEO of Nexon is clear: video games like GTA6 will cease to exist in the coming years

Owen Mahoney, former CEO of Nexon, has issued an alarming warning about the future of AAA game development, arguing that the risk aversion among industry executives could be contributing to its potential decline. Mahoney, who decided to acquire the studio Embark during his tenure, despite pressure from investors and board members, pointed out that the trend of prioritizing safe projects limits innovation and could ultimately end the sector. “I believe the AAA industry is structurally at its end,” Mahoney stated in a recent interview. Could AI save them? The leaders of large […]

Owen Mahoney, former CEO of Nexon, has issued an alarming warning about the future of AAA game development, arguing that risk aversion among industry executives may be contributing to its potential decline. Mahoney, who decided to acquire the studio Embark during his tenure, despite pressure from investors and board members, pointed out that the trend of prioritizing safe projects limits innovation and could ultimately end the sector. “I believe the AAA industry is structurally at its end,” Mahoney stated in a recent interview.

Could AI save them?

Leaders of major gaming companies face intense pressure to approve projects that do not pose significant economic risks. This, according to Mahoney, leads to a homogenization in video game creation, where developers are forced to choose between independent projects with funding difficulties or working in large studios, where their work feels more like a factory routine.

Mahoney highlights that, although the acquisition of Embark was a risk, he did it because he perceived an urgency in the development team to prove their worth. However, he warns that the industry seems trapped in a cycle of thinking that does not allow for the exploration of new ideas. “Everyone is so busy running today’s business that it is becoming very difficult for them to think about tomorrow’s business,” he emphasized.

Despite the pessimism, Mahoney also envisions significant potential growth in the coming years, driven by artificial intelligence. Although he is skeptical about current trends, he suggests that AI could lead the industry to reinvent itself and attract players who reject low-quality products. Thus, the solution to this dilemma could be a path towards renewal in video game creation, even as challenges remain present.

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The CEO of Epic Games claims that he does not see the need to clarify that the video games they sell are made with AI

In a recent discussion, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, and Junghun Lee, CEO of Nexon, addressed the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development. Sweeney argued that most companies in the sector are using AI in some way, and proposed the removal of the label “Made with AI” in stores like Steam and Epic Games Store, arguing that this technology will be an integral part of almost all future developments in gaming. A tremendously reactionary stance Sweeney’s position has sparked mixed reactions. While he defends that the […]

In a recent discussion, Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, and Junghun Lee, CEO of Nexon, addressed the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video game development. Sweeney argued that most companies in the sector are using AI in some way, and proposed the removal of the label “Made with AI” in stores like Steam and Epic Games Store, arguing that this technology will be an integral part of almost all future developments in gaming.

A tremendously reactionary stance

Sweeney’s stance has sparked mixed reactions. While he argues that the use of AI is becoming a standard, many developers and players express their discontent. There is a strong preference among these groups for art and content created by humans, highlighting a notable disparity in the perception of the use of AI within the community. This situation is further complicated by concerns about transparency and copyright, as AI can reuse art and text without clear permissions, leading companies to better protect their intellectual properties (IPs).

On the other hand, Steam, the most well-known PC gaming platform, has made information about AI-generated content more visible, which contrasts with Epic’s position. In a recent example, the game “Arc Raiders” has been at the center of this discussion, using AI-generated voices, which has led developers to clarify that the final content reflects their own creativity and expression.

Despite a Microsoft study suggesting that 79% of gamers might be open to the help of AI, it is crucial to consider the sample size and the context of these claims. A significant number of consumers and video game creators demand clarity on the use of AI in the products they consume or develop, indicating that the debate over technology and its implementation is far from resolved.

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The CEO of Nexon defends the use of AI in ARC Raiders stating that "all companies are using AI right now"

The recent statement from Nexon CEO, Junghun Lee, about the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the video game industry has sparked intense debate. Lee stated that “all companies are using AI right now,” provoking strong reactions among independent developers who oppose this trend. His statement comes in a context where the industry is divided between those who support the use of AI and those who are reluctant to adopt it. A defense that is not working well for him An outstanding example is the case of the video game ARC Raiders, where the studio has […]

The recent statement by Nexon CEO, Junghun Lee, regarding the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the video game industry has sparked intense debate. Lee stated that “all companies are using AI right now,” provoking strong reactions among independent developers who oppose this trend. His statement comes in a context where the industry is divided between those who support the use of AI and those who remain reluctant to adopt it.

A defense that is not working well for them

A notable example is the case of the video game ARC Raiders, where the studio has decided not to rely on AI for the main narrative. However, text-to-speech technology has been implemented to generate procedural dialogues and initial 3D models created with AI have also been used, although all results are refined by the human team. Lee argued that, in an environment where everyone uses similar technologies, the true differentiation will depend on human creativity. “If everyone is working with the same technologies, the real question is: how do you survive?” he stated.

However, his words have found strong opposition. Studios like Necrosoft, developer of Demonschool, emphasized their rejection, stating that “I would rather cut off my arms than use AI.” Similarly, Huskrafts, known for Rogue Eclipse, also expressed their commitment to keeping their work free of AI, with internal agreements that prohibit its use. Other developers, such as Neil Jones from Aerial Knight and Xalavier Nelson Jr. from Strange Scaffold, agreed that AI has never been necessary to create good video games, calling for greater resistance to the normalization of its use in the industry.

The debate surrounding artificial intelligence in video game development seems far from resolved, with an increasingly vocal indie sector rejecting this technology.

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Nexon has used AI for the ads of one of its games and the community has turned against them

The controversy has struck The First Descendant again, a looter shooter game developed by Nexon, following the company’s decision to use AI-generated ads that mimic real people. This strategy has divided the content creator community, who feel betrayed by the choice to resort to AI instead of relying on their own members. With over 8,800 creators signed up for Nexon Creators, many claim that this approach is a direct slight to the community that could have given an authentic voice to the game. A game […]

The controversy has struck again at The First Descendant, a looter shooter game developed by Nexon, following the company’s decision to use AI-generated ads that mimic real people. This strategy has divided the content creator community, who feel betrayed by the choice to resort to AI instead of relying on their own members. With over 8,800 creators signed up for Nexon Creators, many claim that this approach is a direct slight to the community that could have given an authentic voice to the game.

A Game on the Tightrope

The ads, which have been criticized for their evident quality issues, such as faulty lip-syncing and unnatural voices, have gone viral on platforms like TikTok. Some users, like a prominent Redditor named iHardlyTriHard, have pointed out that in their search for these clips, they found several samples in a matter of minutes. Concern has grown in the community, where some believe that these ads could drive away potential players, generating distrust towards the product they are trying to promote.

Additionally, The First Descendant is not new to the realm of controversy. At its launch, the game had to remove several icons accused of copying Destiny 2 after a wave of negative reactions. This previous story has further fueled the debate about the ethics of using AI in the promotion of video games, with voices from the industry such as a former head of PlayStation comparing its impact to that of Excel on public accountants, highlighting the need for technical skill in creating authentic content.

As the discussion about the use of artificial intelligence in video game marketing continues, many are wondering if The First Descendant will be able to regain the trust of its fan base after this controversy.

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StarCraft could return in the future, although Blizzard is not sure about it

Since its launch in the 90s, the StarCraft franchise has established itself as one of the most iconic of Blizzard, especially in Asian markets like South Korea and China, where it enjoys an almost reverential status. However, after more than 15 years of waiting since the release of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty in 2010, there are no clear signs that Blizzard is developing a new title in this popular series. The player community, while still active, does not seem to urgently require a new game, which has led to reflections on the future of the […]

Since its launch in the 90s, the StarCraft franchise has established itself as one of Blizzard’s most iconic, especially in Asian markets like South Korea and China, where it enjoys an almost reverential status. However, after more than 15 years of waiting since the release of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty in 2010, there are no clear indications that Blizzard is developing a new title in this popular series. The player community, while still active, does not seem to urgently require a new game, which has led to reflections on the future of the franchise.

StarCraft wants to return with the help of renowned companies

With a growing demand for new content related to the StarCraft universe, various companies have expressed their interest in developing a new title. Among them are major players in the industry such as NC Soft, Nexon, Krafton, and Netmarble, well-established organizations with a significant track record in creating successful video games.

The potential for the transfer of rights by Blizzard could set a worrying precedent. If the company decided to allow another developer to take charge of such an iconic franchise, questions would arise about the future management of other intellectual properties of the company. Furthermore, Blizzard’s recent acquisition by Microsoft could influence its willingness to collaborate with third parties to monetize its properties, a change that would have previously been seen as unacceptable.

With the increase of companies interested in reviving StarCraft and the financial backdrop that Blizzard is now facing, the moves made around this saga will be closely watched by fans. Rumors suggest that this strategy could not only benefit the franchise but also serve as a new source of income for the new corporate structure under Microsoft.

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Game of Thrones refuses to die: a new video game is in development

Game of Thrones could potentially have its own MMORPG in the future, with Nexon backing it, aiming to replicate the success of the series and books.

Game of Thrones succeeded by bringing something different to mainstream fantasy. Political plots. A dark and human tone. A certain idea of an imminent apocalypse that never fully materializes. Something that is not unknown to fantasy fans, but was not common at the time for the general audience. Those who associated fantasy with something closer to The Lord of the Rings than even Dungeons & Dragons, let alone Elric of Melniboné.

Game of Thrones - A Telltale Games Series DOWNLOAD
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“Game of Thrones” started off as a book, turned into a hit television show, and now it's a video game.

Despite its undeniable and lasting success, Game of Thrones never managed to be optimally translated into a video game. There are numerous games in the franchise, with Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series standing out, but none achieved the same success as the TV series or the books. Perhaps due to the nature of the medium itself. Perhaps because no one dared to create what would have truly captivated the audience: a high-budget RPG.

According to Redanian Intelligence, it is possible that a Game of Thrones MMORPG is being developed. Developed by Nexon, the company behind The Finals, the game would be set in the North, with Winterfell and The Wall as part of the locations we would visit. As for the story, it would take place between the fourth and fifth season of the series, with Roose Bolton already leading the North and Jon Snow and Sam Tarly still at The Wall. The release date is still completely unknown, but it would not be before 2025.

On the other hand, this is not the first MMORPG made for Game of Thrones. Not even the second. One called Game of Thrones: Seven Kingdoms was in development for ten years, only to be cancelled. Another one, called Game of Thrones: Winter Is Coming, was released on March 15th, being a critical and commercial failure, with a mix of strategy game and MMORPG.

Being responsible for the game, Nexon, seeing the success of The Finals, there is no doubt that this game has a higher chance of being successful. The problem is that, despite the franchise continuing with House of the Dragon, we will have to see if the same enthusiasm for the franchise that has existed so far still exists when it is released. Although, considering the pace at which George R.R. Martin writes, it seems doubtful that his fans will stop craving more.

Game of Thrones - A Telltale Games Series DOWNLOAD
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“Game of Thrones” started off as a book, turned into a hit television show, and now it's a video game.