The topic of generative artificial intelligence is fueling much discussion in the gaming industry. Its use is controversial, to say the least, as it can have major consequences on game development.
Recently, ARC Raiders was criticized for using AI for its character voices. The aim was to save money on specialized voice actors. This strategy did not sit well with the team behind the excellent Dispatch.
Nick Herman, the game’s creative director, strongly opposed the use of artificial intelligence to replace actors. He cites the performance of Jeffrey Wright, who plays the retired superhero Chase in Dispatch, as an example.
“No AI is going to do what he did. He brought something to that character that we weren’t expecting. I mean, his performance and Aaron’s performance and our whole cast are bringing performances and elevating the material in a way that you’re just not going to get [with AI]. You’re not going to be surprised because it’s built on something you’ve heard before if you go the AI route. So, yeah, honestly, AI feels like a production solution, not a creative one. Maybe it’s a creative one if you aren’t creative.”*
Executive producer Michael Choung also added his two cents on the matter.
“Whatever we’re building, it has to connect. It must be designed by humans and interact with them.It’s got to be made by people. It’s got to connect to people. We’re looking at AI, we’re monitoring the stuff that AI is doing, like everybody else. But… it seems to be having a lot of trouble trying to get to a ‘good enough’ spot. And ‘good enough’ for us is the enemy.
[…] We’re certainly not going to sit here and judge others for making other types of decisions… I’ll let Embark sort of speak for themselves. For us, though, right now, it just doesn’t make a ton of sense.”
