Adrian Chmielarz, founder of The Astronauts and former director of Gears of War: Judgment, stated that AI is unlikely to produce high-quality games in the near future, citing hardware limitations and creative demands as significant barriers.
AI's Current Role in Development
Chmielarz, known for his work on Bulletstorm, utilizes AI daily for tasks such as visualization and language correction. Despite acknowledging fast improvements in AI technologies like Google's Nano Banana image generator, he believes the technology lacks the capability to fully replace human creativity in game design.
Specific AI Applications in Gaming
The developer considers some AI applications acceptable, such as Revolution Software's use of AI for upscaling images in the Broken Sword remake. For his own project Witchfire, Chmielarz permits AI-generated concept art but insists on manual artistry for in-game visuals, emphasizing the importance of a human touch.
Future Outlook and Industry Trends
Chmielarz anticipates that AI will be accepted more as an auxiliary tool rather than a primary creative force. He predicts significant AI advancements by 2026, coinciding with big releases like GTA 6 and Witchfire 1.0. While some AI-driven music reimaginings are enjoyed by Chmielarz, he highlights player resistance to AI-generated assets, referencing backlash faced by Fortnite Chapter 7.
