A couple of huge AAA gaming companies have officially acknowledged that gamers actually hate generative AI in their video games. One of them, Take-Two Interactive, GTA 6 publisher, is also in the process of taking some steps and measures to avoid backlash from gamers by being wary of AI use. Still, it likely won’t stop gaming companies from using AI in one way or another.
The insight came from Jason Schreier’s Bloomberg feature regarding the gaming community’s reaction to generative AI in video games. Turns out Take-Two Interactive filed its 10-K Form to the US Securities and Exchange Commission this week, and one thing that stood out was its stance regarding AI use, stating that the use of AI in their products (meaning games) may present operational and reputational risks.
Even so, Take-Two is also aware that ignoring AI while their competitors work with it is not a good business plan, so while they’re aware that generative AI in games carries a reputational risk, they’re still going to continue to use it.
“The use of this new and emerging technology, which is in its early stages of widespread commercial use, presents social and ethical issues that may result in legal and reputational harm and liability. Any integration of any AI technologies into our products or services may result in new or enhanced governmental or regulatory scrutiny, litigation, confidentiality or security risks, ethical concerns, negative user perceptions as to automation and AI, or other complications that could adversely affect our business, reputation, or financial results.
While the impact of AI on our industry is still emerging and uncertain, to the extent our competitors successfully implement AI technologies into their products or services and we fail to adopt AI technologies effectively or experience delays in integrating these technologies into our operations, we may face significant risks to our competitive position, financial performance, and long-term growth prospects,” according to Take-Two Interactive
It’s not just Take-Two acknowledging the reputational risks that AI carries, but also, and surprisingly, Electronic Arts (EA), one of the most controversial AAA publishers in the industry. EA notably filed its 10-K Form as well, with a similar stance regarding AI in its video games.
The two companies being aware of their audience’s disdain for AI could set a good precedent for the gaming industry as a whole. It might mean fewer generative AI assets in video games for the immediate future, and as a whole, more jobs for human game developers. Consequently, that also means companies could be using AI in plenty of other game development areas that gamers won’t see.
Should Games Made with AI Be Cheaper?
It’s worth noting that the upcoming GTA 6 is under Take-Two Interactive’s wing, so you can rest assured that GTA 6 will have minimal generative AI (hopefully or at least visually). However, there’s also the worrying fact that GTA 6 could cost anywhere from $80 to $100 per “copy,” and even then, you probably won’t own the game you paid for.
That cost begs the simple question of “why”? In Take-Two’s case, it’s begrudgingly justified. Everyone’s affected by inflation, game devs need to eat, and that’s hopefully where the increased price of video games will go (I feel so naive saying that). But if video games openly use AI to cut on game dev cost, then logically, those games should cost less than artisanal, man-made games, right?
A good case study for this notion is inZOI, which charges $40 as an Early Access title. It’s mostly a barren game in its current state, understandably. But then the players also found out that inZOI has a rampant generative-AI problem, which it’s using to fill in for lack of content. Is the price still justified after that fact?
But in any case, gamer backlash against generative AI could be good for the gaming industry as a whole, as it encourages human-made art and gamer money that somehow still goes to actual game devs. Time will tell how long this status quo lasts.
“Yep. They want massive up front prices, plus season passes, plus dlc, plus micro transactions, plus gambling mechanics. They also want to bin off their staff and fill the games with slop. Not clear what we’re supposed to be paying for in their slopworld. That’s a joke. It’s profit. They can shove it. There’ll be plenty of decent games made by humans that aren’t unlicensed digital casinos,” rants DannyHewson
“But companies want to push AI solely to speed up existing workflows and generate sloppy textures, voice acting, animation, and other non-sexy applications. At best, nobody cares that the company saved money by cutting corners, and at worst, when it’s done badly, it’s distracting, immersion-breaking, and reeks of unethical practices,” states veggiesama
“Basically they’re using AI, but making it clear they have to manage our reaction to it because if we figure it out we get pissed they charged us for cheap crap. At least they’re aware,” says MadeByTango
