Global service provider Keywords, which recently worked on acclaimed projects like Alan Wake 2, Baldur’s Gate 3, and The Legends of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, conducted an experiment last year.
The company tried to make a 2D video game relying solely on generative AI (GenAI) tools and technology. The R&D initiative was dubbed ‘Project Ava’ and saw a team, initially from Electric Square Malta, evaluate and leverage over 400 (unnamed) tools to understand how they might “augment” game development.
As detailed in the company’s latest fiscal report, however, the project ultimately proved that while some generative AI tools might simplify or accelerate certain processes, they are currently “unable to replace talent.”
Honestly, the shorter way to say all of this is “the AI” is supposed to make everyone a coder. “The AI” is supposed to make everyone an artist. Who is doing more coding or art than they used to? I know some people are (I am) but I know most people aren’t, even a little bit. That’s how you know it’s a tool for people who want it, or wanted it before it existed, but it’s not really driving any new demand at the level that would replace the experts already in place who can use the tool.