As the Tokyo Game Show 2023 unfolds, prominent game developers in Japan are raising concerns about the readiness of cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR) headsets for game development.
Game giants like Koei Tecmo from Japan have a history of using traditional algorithmic AI in their games, as stated by Hisashi Koinuma, President and COO of Koei Tecmo Games.
However, they acknowledge that challenges persist when incorporating the latest iteration of AI, generative AI, into game development.
Koinuma revealed that they are currently in the research and testing phase, exploring how generative AI can be integrated into their future products, with a keen eye on rights-related issues and its potential to enhance game production.
The issue of copyright concerns related to generative AI is not unique to Koei Tecmo. Microsoft had recently informed users of its Copilot generative AI service that the company would assume legal responsibility for copyright infringements.
The gaming industry holds immense possibilities, with recent demonstrations by Nvidia showcasing the potential for gamers to engage with non-player characters (NPCs) in novel ways through AI-powered natural language interactions. This development has the potential to revolutionize the gaming landscape.
While generative AI represents a new frontier, the proliferation of VR and AR headsets is another noteworthy trend, especially following the announcement of Apple’s Vision Pro, ongoing advancements in Meta’s Quest product line, and Sony’s recent release of VR2.
However, many gamers have expressed dissatisfaction with the current selection of games available on these devices, a sentiment echoed by veteran developer Koinuma. Despite his excitement about the possibilities, he remains cautious about execution due to previous experiences in the VR space.
Koinuma noted that early attempts faced various obstacles, including the suitability of the hardware for extended gameplay. He emphasized the need for a well-cultivated user experience before achieving success in this market and expressed a desire to revisit VR and similar technologies when the time is right.
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