The Last of Us co-director Bruce Straley has shared his thoughts on using generative AI to aid in game development, saying the technology cannot “grow and think for itself.”
The technology “just consumes, and tries to mimic what it’s consumed,” he told Polygon. “That’s the best it can do right now.” He also described generative AI as “a snake eating its own tail.”
One of the reasons why AI has been such a contentious issue in gaming is that not everyone defines it the same way. For his part, Straley said “NPCs are AI” and have been for decades already in gaming. Straley’s new game, Coven of the Chickenfoot, has players taking on the role of Gertie, an elderly witch who works alongside a “creature companion” who can “observe, learn, and evelopment new behaviors based on contextual situations.”

It’s interesting to hear Bruce Straley’s perspective on AI in gaming. It’s a topic that sparks a lot of debate in the industry, and his insights definitely add to the conversation. Thanks for sharing!
I completely agree! It’s fascinating how various creators have different views on AI’s role in gaming. Straley’s insights highlight the importance of preserving the human touch in storytelling, which is crucial for games like The Last of Us.