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

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the gaming industry has sparked significant discussion among developers. Recently, renowned NieR series director Yoko Taro expressed concerns over the potential impact of AI on employment within the gaming sector, fearing that game creators might face job losses due to advancements in AI technology.

During an interview with Famitsu, translated by Automaton, several prominent Japanese game developers specializing in narrative and storytelling shared their perspectives on game development. Joining Yoko Taro were Kotaro Uchikoshi (known for Zero Escape and AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (creator of Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (developer of 428: Shibuya Scramble).

Addressing the future of adventure games, both Uchikoshi and Yoko emphasized the role of AI. Uchikoshi highlighted the rapid evolution of AI technology, suggesting that AI-generated adventure games could soon dominate the market. Despite acknowledging AI's limitations in achieving exceptional writing akin to human creativity, he underscored the importance of preserving the "human touch" to remain competitive. Yoko echoed similar sentiments, warning that game creators might face diminishing roles akin to traditional bards in the distant future.

When queried about AI's ability to replicate the intricate worlds and narratives characteristic of their works, Yoko and Ishii concurred. Kodaka, however, argued that even if AI could mimic their creative styles, it would struggle to embody the authentic spirit of a true creator, drawing parallels with David Lynch's distinctive approach.

Yoko proposed utilizing AI to craft novel scenarios, such as additional routes in adventure games, while Kodaka pointed out that this personalization might diminish the shared gaming experience. Prominent figures across the industry have long been voicing opinions on AI, large language models, and generative systems. Some companies, like Capcom and Activision, have already begun experimenting with these technologies. Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa acknowledged the creative potential of AI but raised concerns regarding intellectual property rights. Similarly, Microsoft and PlayStation have also weighed in on the implications of AI in gaming.