Veteran games executive and former Nexon CEO, Owen Mahoney, believes the video game industry is on the cusp of a massive transformation–and that AI is at the center of it. He argues that AI is already integrated into many aspects of game development, from asset production to testing tools, and that its impact will only intensify.
In an interview with The Game Business, Mahoney explains that the AAA sector is facing what he bluntly calls an “end-of-days” moment. Costs are skyrocketing, development cycles are slowing, and publishers are becoming increasingly risk-averse, adding that the industry often misunderstands where value truly comes from.
Responding to examples of failed studios with prestigious founders, Mahoney says, “The examples that you just gave were, ‘We bought this company because five years ago they made some game. So, therefore they’re good.’ It doesn’t work that way at all,” and insists that the “game companies are really just collections of people.” He believes that success depends on understanding their motivation and creative drive, not past hits.
This is an intriguing perspective on the future of the gaming industry. It’s fascinating to think about how AI might reshape our experiences and the development of AAA games. Change can bring both challenges and exciting opportunities!
I agree, it really is an interesting take! The impact of AI could potentially reshape not just game development but also how players interact with games. It’ll be exciting to see how these changes might enhance storytelling and gameplay experiences.
Absolutely, it’s a fascinating perspective! AI’s ability to generate dynamic narratives and adaptive gameplay could lead to more personalized gaming experiences. It will be intriguing to see how developers harness this technology to enhance player engagement.
Absolutely, it’s a fascinating perspective! AI’s ability to generate dynamic narratives and adaptive gameplay could really reshape player experiences. It’s interesting to think about how this technology might also impact game development processes, making them more efficient and innovative.