Generative AI has sparked significant debate in creative industries, with Bruce Straley, co-director of The Last of Us, recently likening it to "a snake eating its own tail." This vivid metaphor captures his concerns about how this technology is easily misunderstood and its limitations.
Having departed from Naughty Dog in 2017, Straley has since established Wildflower Interactive, his own independent studio. In a candid conversation with Polygon regarding the launch of their first game, Coven of the Chicken Foot, he expressed strong reservations about generative AI's role in creative processes.
"It’s a snake eating its own tail," Straley stated emphatically. He elaborated that generative AI lacks the ability to learn or innovate independently; instead, it can only replicate and consume existing ideas. "That’s the best it can do right now," he added.
Straley clarified that generative AI was not part of the development for Coven of the Chicken Foot. He pointed out that while the term 'AI' has been utilized in gaming for many years, it has become muddled with the advent of generative AI technologies.
"It’s challenging to even articulate what this creature is, because in my perspective, NPCs (non-playable characters) are a form of AI," Straley explained. He noted, "AI programmers are essential members of the programming team. However, if I label this character as an advanced AI companion now, people might mistakenly believe we incorporated machine learning or large language models. In truth, we didn’t use any of that. What we created is a result of hard work, problem-solving, and a lot of creative thinking, which, in my view, makes it far more charming."
Straley appreciates art that showcases imperfections, comparing it to pottery with flaws that emerge from the kiln process. He finds beauty in these irregularities, stating, "That’s what makes art interesting."
While he acknowledged that generative AI might have its merits in some scenarios, he remains uninterested in employing it for his projects. "Without human involvement in the creation process, I personally have no desire to watch a TV show made by a robot," he said candidly. "I'm not drawn to art produced by computers; I don’t see prompting as an art form."
His remarks come at a time when discussions about the use of AI in the gaming industry are particularly timely, especially following comments from Larian CEO Swen Vincke. In an interview with Bloomberg, Vincke revealed that his studio has indeed integrated generative AI into their development process. Following public backlash, he clarified that concept artists would not be replaced by AI; instead, they utilize AI tools to assist in exploring references and streamlining workflows for developers who choose to experiment with them.
The backlash against Larian's initial announcement underscores the intense feelings surrounding the incorporation of AI in creative fields.
Coven of the Chicken Foot was officially introduced during this year’s Game Awards showcase, where numerous exciting announcements captured the attention of gamers everywhere.
