In the realm of gaming, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various games - Fortnite, Candy Crush, and more - while ushering in fresh prospects.
In the ever-evolving world of video games, artificial intelligence (AI) is making a significant impact, reshaping the landscape of game development and player experience.
Ubisoft, a leading name in the gaming industry, is leveraging AI for smarter NPC programming and moderating in-game chats. This innovative use of technology is not limited to Ubisoft, as companies like Microsoft, in partnership with firms such as First Line Software, are integrating generative AI tools into their development process to boost productivity and reduce time to market.
King, another industry giant, is using AI as a "co-pilot" for developers, aiding with code writing, review, playtesting, and adjusting game mechanics. The popular puzzle game "Candy Crush Saga" is one of the beneficiaries of this AI integration, with the AI tools being used to test levels, make design adjustments, and refine the game.
Early-Stage Studio Jam and Tea Studios are also deeply integrating AI into their development process, using language models to create more dynamic interactions with NPCs and the game environment.
AI tools like KI-Tools' FaceShifter help artists generate and model heads for game characters faster. At Ubisoft, FaceShifter uses a proprietary dataset of 3D-scanned heads to design new models with different properties. Creating a high-resolution head using FaceShifter takes less than half a day after a few adjustments.
However, the integration of AI in game development comes with its challenges. The high costs of the technology, including software, hardware, cloud technology, and graphics processors, make it a luxury for few. Moreover, the experimental technology for AI-assisted gameplay can be very expensive.
Despite these hurdles, the potential benefits of AI in game development are undeniable. AI has the potential to foster more creativity and enable games that react more strongly to players than ever before. However, it is crucial that the industry continues the dialogue about the role of AI to ensure ethically responsible use.
Principles like using authorized sources, transparency, and human involvement are crucial for responsible AI use. Studios need to use AI mindfully and responsibly, considering the entire development process and the entire ecosystem. The first risk in the use of AI is not participating in the discussion about its role in the future of game development.
The use of AI in game development is being experimented for reshaping the player experience, with dynamic gameplay features like the NEO-NPC project, which uses language models for spontaneous dialogue, still in the prototype phase.
As AI continues to evolve and become more accessible, we can expect to see more AI-based games in the market. The industry needs to continue the dialogue about the role of AI to ensure ethically responsible use and foster a future where AI enhances the gaming experience rather than overshadows it.