Nintendo has addressed the controversial topic of generative artificial intelligence in video game development, outlining the pros and cons as it sees it.
In a shareholder Q&A, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa was asked about the company’s AI initiatives. In response, Furukawa said that generative artificial intelligence could be used “in a creative way”, but said that its use “also raises intellectual property rights issues”.
Artificial intelligence and its use in games is one of the hottest topics in the video game industry with some studies touting AI generated NPCs or AI-driven level creationOthers expressed concern about its potential impact on jobs, particularly in the arts, quality assurance and performance.
So far, generative AI has drew criticism from players and creative due to a mix of ethical issues, rights issues, and AI struggles to create content that audiences actually enjoy. For example, Keywords Studios tried to create an experimental game in-house using only AI. The game failedwith keywords telling investors that AI “has not been able to replace talent”.
As for Nintendo preparing to reveal and release a successor console to the Switch, Furukawa said the company is “open to taking advantage of technological developments” but “will work to continue to provide value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created solely technology. .”
Here is Furukawa’s full statement:
In the gaming industry, AI-like technologies have been used for a long time – for example, to control the movements of opposing characters – so I believe that game development and AI technology have always had a close relationship. Generative AI, which is becoming a big topic recently, can be used in creative ways, but we recognize that it can also raise intellectual property rights issues.
We have decades of know-how in creating the best gaming experiences for our players. While we are open to taking advantage of technological developments, we will work to continue to deliver value that is unique to Nintendo and cannot be created by technology alone.
Nintendo’s mixed statement comes as its video game console rivals go all-in on AI. For example, Microsoft is reportedly building an Xbox AI chatbot to automate support tasks such as refunding money for games, resolving issues with broken consoles and subscriptions, and answering questions about error codes.
Meanwhile, head of PlayStation Productions and Head of Product at PlayStation Studios Asad Qizilbash considered AI saying that its use in video games is important to Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers who are looking for “personalization across everything”.
“For example, non-player characters in games can interact with players based on their actions, so it will feel more personal,” Qizilbash said. “This is important for the younger Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences, who are the first generations to grow up. digitally and are looking for personalization across everything, as well as looking for experiences that have more meaning.”
Earlier, yes, EA chief Andrew Wilson told the investment community that “more than 50% of our development processes will be positively impacted by advances in generative artificial intelligence.” Wilson, who oversees EA Sports FC, The Sims and BioWare games, added that AI will make game development more efficient, revealing that EA Sports FC developers can now build stadiums in six weeks instead of six months.
The Witcher voice actor Doug Cockle also expressed caution and frustration with the growing presence of artificial intelligence in the video game industry, calling it “inevitable” but “dangerous”.
Wesley is the UK news editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. Wesley can be contacted at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.