Tom Hall, co-founder of id Software and one of the key minds behind the classic game DOOM, has expressed a favorable view towards integrating "ethical" artificial intelligence (AI) into game development. In an interview with Sektor.sk, Hall expressed enthusiasm about how AI could function as a core element in gaming experiences. Specifically, he envisions AI adapting to player actions seamlessly and generating content that suits individual preferences.
While the idea of a game that "plays you" as much as you play it is compelling, Hall cautioned against the indiscriminate use of AI. His concern is that an overreliance on AI could lead to a lack of human craftsmanship in game design.
Homogenization: A Concern for the Gaming Industry
Hall's worry about the homogenization of games echoes sentiments within the broader gaming community. His fears are particularly focused on AAA games, which he perceives to have lost a sense of uniqueness and craft. According to Hall, the increasing standardization in AAA gaming threatens to make different titles feel monotonous. His statement highlights the potential downsides of using AI too extensively in game development.
The Current State of AI Tools in Game Development
The field of AI in game development is already a topic of heated discussion. Existing AI tools, such as ChatGPT for text generation and Midjourney for image generation, have been both lauded and criticized. Detractors argue that these tools are neither as labor-saving as advertised nor free from ethical implications.
Companies like Stardock and Activision have experimented with AI functionalities to varying degrees. For example, Stardock uses chatbot-style AI to create text lore for its game, Galactic Civilization IV: Supernova Edition. Meanwhile, Activision has employed ToxMod's Modulate tool to monitor toxic behavior in Call of Duty multiplayer games. Each of these cases illustrates that AI can be useful but is not a one-size-fits-all solution.