TL;DR:
- Square Enix’s upcoming PlayStation exclusive game, Foamstars, incorporates AI-generated art alongside human-created content.
- AI, facilitated by Midjourney, produces abstract album covers for in-game music tracks.
- AI-generated content constitutes a minimal portion (0.01% or less) of the game, with core gameplay crafted by human developers.
- Square Enix’s move aligns with its commitment to adopting AI and cutting-edge tech in content development and publishing.
- The integration of AI in the gaming industry raises debates and concerns, but developers continue to explore its potential.
- Voice actors are adapting to AI with initiatives like Morpheme.ai, aiming to retain control over their voices and careers.
Main AI News:
In a groundbreaking move, Square Enix, the renowned developer, and publisher of gaming masterpieces, has announced that their upcoming PlayStation exclusive game, Foamstars, will feature AI-generated art. This revelation comes as a testament to Square Enix’s commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of creative possibilities.
In an exclusive interview with VGC, Kosuke Okatani, the producer of Foamstars, shed light on the integration of AI-generated art into the game. Okatani revealed that while AI played a role in crafting certain assets, the majority of the game’s content was meticulously handcrafted by the development team. He emphasized, “All of the core elements in Foamstars — the core gameplay, and the things that make the game enjoyable — those are all made by hand.”
Square Enix leveraged the controversial AI tool, Midjourney, which has recently garnered attention due to its ability to transform text prompts into stunning visual art. The developers experimented with Midjourney, generating abstract images to be used as album covers for the in-game music tracks. Square Enix was delighted with the results, and these AI-generated album covers will be a unique visual feature in the game.
Despite the buzz surrounding this innovation, it’s important to note that AI-generated content constitutes a minuscule fraction of Foamstars, making up only about 0.01% or possibly even less, as Okatani confirmed. The game’s core essence, including gameplay mechanics and overall player experience, remains firmly rooted in the hands of skilled human developers.
This integration of AI aligns with Square Enix’s forward-looking vision, as company president Takashi Kiryu stated earlier this year, “We will be aggressive in applying AI and other cutting-edge technologies to both our content development and our publishing functions.” While the use of AI in creative industries, including gaming, has sparked debates and concerns, Square Enix’s strategic approach aims to harness AI’s potential while preserving the authenticity of human creativity.
The debate surrounding AI-generated content is not limited to the gaming industry. Prominent figures like filmmaker Tim Burton and voice actors from various media have voiced their reservations about AI’s impact on creativity and employment. Nevertheless, the gaming industry continues to explore AI’s potential, with developers like Embark Studios utilizing AI for voiceovers alongside traditional voice acting.
In response to the evolving landscape, Cissy Jones, a respected voice actor known for her roles in Disney’s Owl House and Destiny 2, has founded Morpheme.ai. This company empowers voice actors to embrace AI in a way that allows them to maintain control over their voices and their careers.
Conclusion:
Square Enix’s innovative fusion of AI-generated art and human creativity in Foamstars highlights their dedication to pushing industry boundaries. While AI’s role in creative industries raises questions, it showcases the gaming sector’s ongoing exploration of AI’s potential. The future may witness a harmonious coexistence of AI and human talent, enriching the gaming market’s creative possibilities.
