Veteran Developer Ken Levine Discusses Generative AI and High-Stakes Game
Renowned game developer Ken Levine recently shared his insights on generative AI, his upcoming game, and the ongoing evolution of video game storytelling. In an interview with GI.biz, Levine emphasized the significant potential of generative AI as a powerful tool but highlighted its current limitations, particularly in terms of persistence.
“Generative AI is a very powerful tool that I don’t want to underestimate,” Levine explained. “However, it does have its constraints, such as the lack of persistence. While tools like Sora, the ChatGPT video generator, can create visually stunning scenes, they still struggle with continuity and memory.”
Addressing concerns about AI replacing human jobs, Levine noted that while some industry experts foresee AI taking over certain tasks, creative storytelling remains a complex challenge for artificial intelligence. “Have you seen AI write a good 20-page movie with coherent scene transitions? It’s not there yet,” he remarked.
Levine acknowledged the current utility of AI in game development, particularly in technical aspects like bug tracking. However, he emphasized the technology’s limitations in crafting intricate narratives. “While AI can assist in managing bug databases, it still falls short when it comes to weaving compelling stories or structuring complex narratives,” he said.
Intriguingly, Levine revealed that no generative AI was utilized in the development of his latest game, Judas, apart from enhancements to bug-tracking systems. Despite acknowledging AI’s potential, Levine remains cautiously optimistic about its impact on the industry. “I’m not overly impressed with AI in game development at the moment. While advancements are likely in the future, I’m not overly concerned about AI replacing human creativity anytime soon,” he stated.
Exploring the High-Stakes Narrative of Judas
Levine also discussed the narrative direction of Judas, highlighting the exceptionally high stakes of the game. Drawing a contrast with blockbuster movies, Levine expressed his preference for maintaining meaningful stakes without succumbing to constant apocalyptic scenarios. He emphasized the importance of allowing players the freedom to explore the game world at their own pace while keeping the narrative tension intact.
According to Levine, the storyline and scope of Judas initially started small but expanded as the development team’s ambitions grew. The game, which has been in development for over five years, is designed to be highly responsive to player choices, presenting a significant challenge for the team.
Reflecting on the broader video game landscape, Levine pondered the industry’s ongoing quest to define the essence of a video game. “Despite being over 50 years old, we still grapple with the fundamental question of what games truly are,” he remarked. Comparing the industry’s progress to that of the film industry, Levine noted the persistent evolution and exploration of gaming’s potential.
Judas: A Narrative-Focused FPS Coming Soon
Judas is currently in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms, with an official release date yet to be announced. To delve deeper into the world of Judas, watch GameSpot’s informative video feature above, which provides insights into the narrative-focused first-person shooter.