Neil Druckmann, creative director at Naughty Dog, expressed his enthusiasm for generative AI in a recent Sony interview. He believes AI is enabling the studio to undertake more adventurous projects and push the boundaries of storytelling in games. Druckmann highlighted that AI reduces costs and technical hurdles, empowering creators to realize their visions without traditional obstacles.
Druckmann acknowledged ethical concerns associated with AI but emphasized the importance of mastering artistic fundamentals over relying on tools that may quickly become obsolete. He cited Naughty Dog’s evolution from hand-animating Jak and Daxter to using motion capture in Uncharted as an example of how new technologies can enhance storytelling.
Despite his optimism, Druckmann clarified on Twitter that his statements about redefining mainstream perceptions of gaming were edited, losing some context. He shared the original transcript to emphasize the growing audience for video games and his excitement for future projects.
Druckmann also mentioned that AI could automate aspects of game design, such as environmental creation, increasing efficiency. However, he stressed the need for precise direction to achieve intended creative outcomes. The upcoming projects from Naughty Dog, including a potential follow-up to The Last of Us, aim to captivate a global audience and further elevate the storytelling in video games.
