PlayStation CEO Believes in AI Benefits for Gaming But Claims \"Human Touch\" is Always Necessary

PlayStation CEO Hermen Hulst: AI in Gaming – A Powerful Tool, Not a Replacement

Sony Interactive Entertainment co-CEO, Hermen Hulst, recently discussed the role of AI in the future of gaming. While acknowledging AI's potential to revolutionize game development, he emphasized the irreplaceable value of the "human touch." This statement comes as PlayStation celebrates 30 years in the gaming industry, a journey marked by technological advancements and evolving creative processes.

The Rise of AI and its Impact on Game Development

The integration of AI into game development is a double-edged sword. While it streamlines tasks like prototyping and asset creation, concerns remain about its potential to displace human creators. The recent strike by American voice actors, fueled partly by the use of generative AI to replace their work, highlights these anxieties. This trend has been particularly noticeable in games like Genshin Impact, where recent updates have shown a reduction in English voice-overs.

A Market Research Perspective

A CIST survey reveals that a significant portion (62%) of game studios already utilize AI to enhance workflow efficiency, primarily for rapid prototyping, concept development, and world-building. Hulst believes the future will see a "dual demand" – a need for both AI-driven innovation and handcrafted, human-driven content.

PlayStation's AI Strategy and Future Plans

PlayStation is actively involved in AI research and development, with a dedicated Sony AI department established in 2022. Beyond gaming, the company aims to expand its intellectual property into film and television, citing the upcoming Amazon Prime adaptation of God of War (2018) as an example. This broader entertainment strategy might be linked to rumored acquisition talks with Kadokawa Corporation, a Japanese multimedia giant.

Lessons Learned from the PlayStation 3

Reflecting on PlayStation's 30th anniversary, former PlayStation chief Shawn Layden described the PlayStation 3's development as an "Icarus moment"—a period of overly ambitious goals that nearly led to the company's downfall. This experience taught valuable lessons about prioritizing core gaming functionality over excessive multimedia features, a lesson that significantly influenced the development of the PlayStation 4.