Taro's AI Anxiety: 'Bards' Replacing Game Creators

Conversations around artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming have become increasingly prevalent. Yoko Taro, the director of the NieR series, is among those voicing concerns, suggesting the technology could eventually threaten the jobs of human game developers.

In a recent Famitsu interview, translated by Automaton, a group of Japanese developers—including Kotaro Uchikoshi (Zero Escape, AI: The Somnium Files), Kazutaka Kodaka (Danganronpa), and Jiro Ishii (428: Shibuya Scramble)—discussed their creative philosophies with Yoko Taro.

When asked about the future of adventure games, the topic of AI was raised by both Yoko and Uchikoshi.

“I have many new games I want to make,” said Uchikoshi, “but with AI advancing so quickly, I’m concerned AI-generated adventure games could soon dominate the market.” He added that current AI systems lack the capacity for truly outstanding writing and that a distinctly human sensibility would remain essential for creators. Yoko Taro shared similar anxieties.

“I also believe game developers could lose their jobs to AI,” Yoko stated. “In 50 years, they might be regarded like modern-day bards.”

Asked if AI could replicate the intricate worlds and storytelling trademarks of their work, Yoko and Ishii agreed it was possible. Kodaka, however, felt differently. Even if AI could imitate his style, he argued, it couldn't truly think or act like an original creator. He compared the situation to the filmmaker David Lynch—while others might mimic his style, only Lynch himself can evolve it while keeping it authentic.

Yoko proposed that AI could be used to generate alternative story routes in adventure games. Kodaka pointed out, though, that such personalized content might diminish the shared cultural experience of playing the same game.

Prominent figures in the industry have been sharing their perspectives on AI and generative systems for some time. Companies like Capcom and Activision are already experimenting with the technology. Nintendo's president, Shuntaro Furukawa, recently acknowledged generative AI's creative potential while highlighting intellectual property challenges. Microsoft and PlayStation have also commented on the matter.