During a keynote at Gamescom Asia x Thailand Games Show, Glen Schofield, creator of Dead Space, addressed the role of AI in game development. He expressed skepticism towards claims by xAI, founded by Elon Musk, that a fully AI-generated game could be created within a year, calling the idea unrealistic.
Schofield's Perspective on AI in Gaming
Glen Schofield, a prominent advocate for AI in game development, emphasized the inevitability of AI's growth in the industry. Describing AI as a significant technological leap akin to the PC and the internet, he predicted that AI would transform work processes and generate new job opportunities. "History has shown us that every major technological leap creates whole new industries," he stated.
Debate on AI-Generated Games
When questioned about xAI's ambitious timeline for an AI-generated game, Schofield was direct. "A year? In one year they'll be able to make a game? No, he's full of crap," he asserted. Schofield cautioned against tools developed without direct input from game developers, highlighting potential misalignments with industry needs.
While acknowledging AI's potential in conceptual phases, such as world and character building, Schofield identified challenges with execution, particularly in 3D character movement. He shared insights into using tools like Midjourney for creative brainstorming, combining elements for visual inspiration.
Ethics and Industry Trends
Addressing ethics, Schofield noted the ongoing debate over AI "stealing art" yet argued that creative evolution naturally involves learning from existing work. He urged developers to integrate AI responsibly, considering ethical variations while navigating the technological landscape.