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PlayStation Developers and Game Industry Professionals Present Contrasting Views on AI Use

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Sony's AI Push Meets Growing Developer Skepticism at GDC

Sony has outlined its current and planned use of artificial intelligence in PlayStation game development, citing productivity gains in several areas. This disclosure coincides with a survey of game developers indicating growing concern about generative AI's impact on the industry.

Sony's AI Integration

During a recent financial results presentation, Sony discussed incorporating AI into its game development pipeline. CEO Hiroki Totoki stated that the technology would not replace artists or developers.

According to Sony, AI is being used to automate repetitive tasks, increase efficiency in payments, speed up quality assurance, and improve software engineering productivity.

Specific applications mentioned include:

  • Mockingbird, a tool that accelerates facial animation workflows using performance capture data. Sony reported that this reduces animation work from hours to "a fraction of a second." The tool is used by Diego Studio for MLB The Show 26 and by Naughty Dog.
  • An AI hair animation tool that converts video footage of hairstyles into strand-level 3D models.
  • Development of AI-driven non-player characters (NPCs) with individual personalities.
  • A generative AI video project in collaboration with Bandai Namco. Totoki stated this project led to "massive gains in speed and productivity per person" but noted issues with "consistency and controllability."

Sony previously conducted experiments with AI-driven dynamic character interaction, including a demonstration featuring an AI version of the character Aloy from Horizon Forbidden West.

Developer Sentiment at GDC

"52% of respondents believe generative AI negatively impacts the game industry."

The Game Developers Conference (GDC) featured vendors showcasing generative AI tools for creating NPCs, entire games, and quality assurance assistance. Tencent demonstrated a pixel-art fantasy world generated by its AI tools, and Razer presented an AI assistant for logging game issues.

A survey conducted at GDC found that 52% of respondents believe generative AI negatively impacts the game industry. The survey noted this figure has increased from 30% in 2025 and 18% in 2024.

Developers at the conference expressed several concerns:

Human Element

Some developers, such as Gabriel Paquette of The Melty Way, stated a preference for human-created work.

Quality

Abby Howard of Black Tabby Games said audiences do not connect with generative AI, finding it "generic" or "cheap." Rebekah Saltsman of Finji described AI-generated content as "crap." Matthew Jackson noted that AI lacks humor.

Legal Issues

Adam and Rebekah Saltsman pointed to the absence of a clear legal framework for selling generative AI output, noting that AI-generated art currently lacks copyright protection.

Impact on Craft and Talent

Developers stated that generative AI removes the craft from video game creation. Tony Howard-Arias of Black Tabby Games noted that skill improvement comes through "intense concentration of a career of applied craft." Adam Saltsman observed that coding challenges can push game design and improve player understanding. Alex Schleifer of Human Computer stated that the development process itself leads to better ideas. Concerns were also raised about AI's potential to eliminate jobs and reduce opportunities for new talent.

Publisher Stances

Several publishers have stated policies against using generative AI in games:

  • Finji, co-founded by Adam and Rebekah Saltsman, does not consider using generative AI.
  • Panic, publisher of Untitled Goose Game, has stated it has no interest in generative AI-created products.
  • BigMode, a publishing company, requires developers to confirm their games are human-made and do not include generative AI.
  • Hasbro, currently developing its own video games, is not utilizing AI in its development pipelines.

Some independent developers expressed openness to the future potential of generative AI in game development, potentially mirroring bespoke AI models used in film and television industries. However, many currently prefer handcrafted work.