Could AI be the future of Night City?
Pawel Sasko, the quest director at CD Projekt Red, recently shared insights into the studio’s experimentation with generative AI for non-playable characters (NPCs) in Cyberpunk 2077. Despite the growing interest in AI-powered NPCs across the gaming industry, Sasko expressed skepticism about their ability to match the depth and complexity of characters crafted by human writers.
While numerous companies, including Nvidia and Ubisoft, are exploring the potential of AI-driven NPCs, Sasko highlighted the significant gap between AI-generated content and handcrafted narratives. He emphasized the essential role of human creativity in crafting compelling characters, suggesting that AI may struggle to replicate the same level of emotional depth and nuance.
Sasko’s remarks underscore the challenges of integrating AI into narrative-driven games like Cyberpunk 2077. While AI technology continues to advance, Sasko believes there is still a long way to go before AI NPCs can rival their scripted counterparts in terms of quality and sophistication.
As the gaming industry continues to explore the possibilities of AI-driven game design, Sasko’s insights offer valuable perspective on the evolving landscape of NPC development. While AI may have its uses as a tool, Sasko believes that human creativity remains indispensable in creating immersive gaming experiences.
Despite the optimism surrounding AI technology, Sasko’s observations highlight the importance of preserving the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional game design. As CD Projekt Red continues to push the boundaries of storytelling in video games, Sasko’s insights provide valuable insights into the ongoing dialogue surrounding AI in game development.
Source: pcgamer.com
