At the launch of Battlefield 6, players will not encounter any AI-generated content. However, Rebecka Coutaz, the VP and General Manager of Battlefield’s European studios, referred to the technology as “very seducing” during an interview with the BBC. She clarified that while AI won’t be a feature in the current shooter, EA is already exploring this technology. According to her, generative AI was utilized in the initial planning stages of the game “to allow more time and more space to be creative.”
Coutaz explained that the reason AI wasn’t integrated throughout the development process is that it cannot currently be woven into the daily workflows of most developers. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic for the future potential of AI, stating, “If we can break the magic with AI, it will help us be more innovative and more creative.”
AI Soldiers and Future Implications
Despite earlier concerns, it turns out Battlefield 6 will not be populating servers with bots. During the open beta, “AI soldiers” will only be available in training ground playlists.
On another note, reports indicate that EA’s new buyers are considering the use of AI to reduce operational costs, especially given the significant debt of $20 billion they are facing.
The veteran CRPG designer behind titles like Fallout and Wasteland expressed concerns about job security stemming from AI’s rise, especially after Microsoft’s recent layoff of 9,000 employees.
Industry Perspectives on AI
Design director Fasahat Salim shared a more positive view, stating that AI is “not anything to be scared of in our industry,” particularly since developers often operate at the forefront of technological advancements. Salim believes the industry is accustomed to change.
However, this optimism is somewhat overshadowed by EA’s impending $55 billion leveraged buyout, which will incur roughly $20 billion in debt. Investors are reportedly eager for EA to utilize AI to address financial concerns.
If you’re considering whether to dive into Battlefield 6, feel free to check out our review. Additionally, if you’re curious about future developments, make sure to look into the Battlefield 6 roadmap.