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

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games has become a hot topic of discussion, especially among game creators. Recently, Yoko Taro, the renowned director of the NieR series, shared his apprehensions about AI's potential impact on the gaming industry. In a translated interview with Famitsu, conducted by Automaton, Yoko Taro, alongside other notable Japanese developers known for their narrative-driven games—Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape, AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble)—delved into the future of adventure games and the role of AI.

When questioned about the trajectory of adventure games, both Yoko Taro and Kotaro Uchikoshi voiced concerns about AI. Uchikoshi expressed his fear that the rapid evolution of AI technology could lead to AI-generated adventure games becoming the norm. However, he pointed out that current AI struggles to produce "outstanding writing" that matches human creativity, emphasizing the importance of preserving the "human touch" in game development. Yoko Taro echoed these sentiments, worrying that game creators might lose their jobs to AI, suggesting that in 50 years, game creators could be treated similarly to bards.

The conversation also touched on whether AI could replicate the intricate worlds and narratives crafted by these developers. Yoko Taro and Jiro Ishii believed it was possible, but Kazutaka Kodaka argued that while AI might be able to mimic their styles, it couldn't replicate the essence of a creator. He drew parallels with filmmaker David Lynch, noting that while others might write in Lynch's style, Lynch himself could innovate and maintain authenticity. Yoko Taro proposed using AI to generate new scenarios, such as alternative routes in adventure games, but Kodaka countered that this personalization could diminish the shared experience of gaming.

The debate over AI's role in gaming extends beyond these developers. Industry giants like Capcom, Activision, Microsoft, and PlayStation have explored or discussed the potential of AI. Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, acknowledged the creative possibilities of generative AI but also highlighted concerns about intellectual property rights.