Unlocking the Power of AI in Game Development: Efficient Game Creation

The gaming industry has not been immune to the impact of artificial intelligence, with AI having a profound influence on development since the 1980s. However, the recent emergence of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney has somewhat obscured the fact that AI has been a part of the industry for decades. According to Tommy Thompson, director of consultancy firm AI and Games, there is a widespread misconception that AI is new to the gaming space. Thompson, who works with developers to integrate AI into their pipelines, has witnessed a "silent revolution" in the industry since the late 2000s, with developers incorporating machine learning into their workflows. Sean Cooper, technical director at Didimo, notes that AI and automation have been used in the industry since the 1980s, and that they have always been a fixture in his experience. Cooper adds that AI has enabled developers to be more efficient and has been beneficial for studios with limited financial resources. Thompson points out that the use of sophisticated AI tools has traditionally occurred behind closed doors in AAA spaces, and that these systems were not widely publicized as they were considered mundane everyday tooling. However, with AI now a hot topic in the public consciousness, those outside the industry are becoming aware of the potential benefits and risks. The panel agrees that it is essential to separate the hype from the substance when it comes to AI in game development. Thompson notes that the conversation around AI is often led by people who do not work in the industry and are trying to sell AI products, which can warp the conversation and perceptions. Instead of chasing tools that may not live up to their promise, developers should focus on integrating tried and tested tools like automation or machine learning into their workflows. Lucie Migné, senior producer at Mighty Build and Test, advises that studios should be cautious when adopting new tools and should do their research before investing time and resources. Cooper suggests that studios without the resources to build in-house tooling from scratch can tap into open-source tools as a starting point. However, Migné warns that the total cost of open source is not zero, and that running costs and maintenance should be considered. When automating workflows, it is crucial to identify areas that are ripe for automation, such as content generation, QA processes, and coding. Thompson notes that it is essential to find the right tools for the right purpose and to do homework before investing time and resources. Dr. Aleena Chia, lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, emphasizes that studios should be intentional about what they automate and should take a big-picture approach when considering automation. Chia notes that different team members may have varying perspectives on automation, and that it is essential to know how far to go and when to stop. Ultimately, studios should not lose sight of their signature style or unique selling proposition when adopting automation and AI tools. Chia suggests that the industry will see more automation and AI adoption in the future, but the extent of this remains to be seen.