Game writers are expressing concerns about their job security as a new experimental game demo featuring advanced AI characters raises questions about the future of the games industry. The dialogue in video games has often been criticized for its corniness and repetition, lacking the sophistication of Shakespearean works. However, with the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT, there is potential for a significant improvement in character interactions and conversations within games.
Stanford researchers, in collaboration with Google, have developed a game demo called Smallville that showcases the capabilities of ChatGPT. Unlike traditional non-playable characters (NPCs) that walk into walls or exhibit limited behaviors, the 25 characters in Smallville can engage in complex discussions on topics such as local politics and music composition, drawing from ChatGPT’s extensive database. They can retain information from previous conversations, creating ongoing narratives and even organizing events like a Valentine’s Day party.
According to Joon Sung Park, a key researcher on the project, this technology could be implemented in smaller indie games within approximately 18 months, with broader adoption in the industry expected within five years. The idea of NPCs having nuanced, ongoing conversations over extended periods of time has captured the attention of ambitious game publishers aiming to create complex RPG experiences, while indie developers see it as a way to reduce development costs.
Joon believes that rather than replacing game writers, AI integration could transform their role in game development. He envisions a future where video game writers resemble the characters in the TV series Westworld, creating a simulated world where characters develop their own narratives within certain boundaries. However, the implementation of AI in game writing is still in its early stages, with Ubisoft being one of the first major companies to announce its plans to use AI for generating certain types of NPC dialogue known as “barks.”
Despite claims that AI-generated writing will complement human efforts, game writers and narrative designers in the industry remain skeptical. Ed Stern, a lead narrative designer at UK studio Splash Damage, explains that the reaction among writers is predominantly negative, given past experiences with disruptive technologies that promised to do their work faster and cheaper without delivering on those promises.
Stern emphasizes that game writing requires human attention to ensure quality, as well as additional tasks such as recording, editing, implementing, and testing the dialogue. He also raises concerns about accidental plagiarism when using large language models like ChatGPT, which rely on vast amounts of internet data for training.
While incorporating AI might make economic sense for some developers, artistic compromise is a concern for others. Artem Koblov, creative director at indie developer Perelesoq Studios, experimented with AI in his company’s development process but found the results lacking in depth and soul. He believes that the nuances and richness brought by human writers to in-game descriptions and flavor text are essential for enhancing the overall gaming experience.
The discussion around AI in game writing extends beyond its impact on job security. Quality, audience expectations, and the division between AAA and indie games are factors that further complicate the adoption of AI in the industry. Additionally, the cost of simulation technology like the one used in Stanford’s study remains a significant barrier for widespread implementation.
Joon acknowledges the potential dangers of blending creative AI and gaming, as achieving believability in AI-powered characters may lead to unintended offensive or cruel dialogue. Striking a balance between realism, compelling interactions, and player safety is a challenge that needs careful consideration.
While creative AI has the potential to enhance gaming experiences and could arrive sooner than expected, the concerns of game writers are valid. They fear that a bigger and cheaper game doesn’t guarantee job stability. As AI continues to evolve, the future of game writing remains uncertain within the dynamic and complex landscape of the games industry.
