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

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games has become a hot topic recently, drawing attention and concern from various industry leaders. Notably, Yoko Taro, the acclaimed director of the NieR series, has voiced his apprehension about AI potentially displacing game creators from their jobs. This concern was highlighted during a thought-provoking discussion at Famitsu, where Yoko Taro was joined by other renowned Japanese game developers known for their narrative prowess: Kotaro Uchikoshi of Zero Escape and AI: The Somnium Files fame, Kazutaka Kodaka, the mind behind Danganronpa, and Jiro Ishii, creator of 428: Shibuya Scramble.

The conversation, as translated by Automaton, delved into the future of adventure games and the role AI might play. Kotaro Uchikoshi expressed his worries about AI's rapid evolution, suggesting that AI-generated adventure games might soon become the norm. He acknowledged, however, that AI currently falls short in producing "outstanding writing" that matches human creativity, emphasizing the importance of retaining the "human touch" in game development to stay ahead of technological advancements.

Yoko Taro echoed these sentiments, going a step further to suggest that within the next 50 years, game creators might find themselves in a position akin to bards—artists revered for their craft but perhaps less central to the production process due to AI's encroachment.

When the topic shifted to whether AI could replicate the intricate worlds and narrative twists characteristic of their games, Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii agreed it was possible. Kazutaka Kodaka, however, offered a different perspective. He argued that while AI might mimic their work and styles, it could not truly embody the essence of a creator. He likened this to how other writers might emulate David Lynch's style, but only Lynch himself could authentically evolve his own unique approach.

Yoko Taro also floated the idea of using AI to generate new scenarios within adventure games, which could personalize gameplay. Kodaka countered this by pointing out that such personalization might diminish the shared experience that games often provide.

The dialogue around AI in gaming extends beyond this group. Major players like Capcom, Activision, and even Nintendo's president Shuntaro Furukawa have shared their views. Furukawa noted the potential for generative AI to be used creatively but also raised concerns about intellectual property rights. Tech giants Microsoft and PlayStation have also contributed to the ongoing conversation, reflecting a broader industry grappling with the implications and opportunities presented by AI.