CD Projekt boss warns that games made solely by gen AI are already being made

As I sat in my Lagos office, staring at the rows of gaming stations humming away, I couldn't help but think about Michał Nowakowski's recent comments on the future of game development. The co-CEO of CD Projekt, the Polish studio behind the hit RPG Cyberpunk 2077, has been in the industry long enough to see the rise and fall of trends, but his warnings about the increasing use of generative AI in game development sent a shiver down my spine.

Nowakowski's concerns are not unfounded; the use of AI in game development has been a contentious issue for years. While some developers have used AI to streamline administrative tasks or create temporary assets, the tool has also been criticized for its role in the creation of games like Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Crimson Desert. Despite the negative hubbub, CD Projekt's co-CEO believes that games made entirely with generative AI will soon be a reality.

Speaking at DevGAMM Gdańsk in Poland, Nowakowski shared a conversation he had with a person who started a new studio based primarily on AI. "I was telling me: I'm running a primarily AI-based studio," the person said. "I can have 40 prototypes within a week, two weeks from now I can have five games that I chose are going to be the best and, three weeks from now, I'm actually launching a game."

Nowakowski's skepticism about the future of games made by AI alone is palpable. While he acknowledges that the use of AI can be beneficial, he has doubts about whether this is the path the industry should follow. "Maybe that's going to be successful, but I have some doubts whether this is really the path to follow."

The use of AI in game development has been growing in recent years, with some studios using the tool to create temporary assets, voiceovers, or even draw up concept art. However, the tool's role in the creation of games like Call Of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Crimson Desert has sparked controversy.

While some developers have praised the use of AI in game development, others have criticized the tool for its potential to replace human creativity. Nowakowski's comments suggest that he is part of the latter group, and his concerns about the future of games made by AI alone are well-founded.

Nowakowski's comments also highlight the challenges facing the game development industry. With the rise of streaming services and the increasing competition for players' attention, game developers are under pressure to create innovative and engaging games.

Nowakowski believes that the key to success in the industry is to have a fresh idea, a soul, and legs. "You only have to look at the autumn release schedules to see how true that is," he said. "But as long as you have a fresh idea, with a soul, with legs, you should have a genuine shot at being successful."

Nowakowski's comments also touched on the disastrous launch of Cyberpunk 2077, which was released in 2020. While the game has been vastly improved since its launch, Nowakowski believes that the studio has not yet achieved a full redemption arc.

"I'm not 100% convinced we went through the full redemption arc," he said. "I'm convinced that we lost the faith of some players, and that's something we need to work on."

As the game development industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether games made entirely by generative AI will become a reality. Nowakowski's warnings suggest that the industry needs to be cautious about the role of AI in game development, and to prioritize creativity and innovation over efficiency and speed.

In the end, the future of games made by AI alone will depend on the decisions made by game developers and publishers. Will they choose to prioritize innovation and creativity, or will they opt for the efficiency and speed that AI offers?## Key Facts:

• CD Projekt's co-CEO Michał Nowakowski has warned that games made entirely with generative AI will soon be a reality.
• Nowakowski has expressed skepticism about the use of AI in game development, citing concerns about the potential loss of human creativity.
• The use of AI in game development has been growing in recent years, with some studios using the tool to create temporary assets, voiceovers, or concept art.
• Nowakowski believes that the key to success in the industry is to have a fresh idea, a soul, and legs.

As I finished writing this article, I couldn't help but think about the implications of Nowakowski's comments. Will the industry prioritize creativity and innovation, or will it opt for the efficiency and speed that AI offers?