John Buckley, head of publishing and communication at Palworld developer Pocketpair, has expressed skepticism regarding the integration of artificial intelligence in video games, particularly generative AI for assets. He suggests that the widespread enthusiasm for AI in game development is largely driven by individuals outside the industry seeking rapid financial gain, likening it to the speculative fervor surrounding early cryptocurrency ventures.
Buckley differentiated between AI's potential as a tool and its use in content generation. He acknowledged AI's utility as a "search tool or coding assistant" as a separate and less contentious matter. However, he voiced concerns about AI-generated artwork and assets, emphasizing the value of in-house artists. "We have a lot of artists in-house," Buckley stated. "They like doing stuff themselves. There's no reason to get rid of them for the sake of an AI doing it. Just seems pointless."
He further elaborated that the potential backlash from social media regarding AI-generated content in games is a significant deterrent. Buckley noted that even industry insiders might question the necessity of using AI when traditional methods suffice. "Even I, who is in the industry, I just felt like a natural, ugh, why? The rest of your game looks fine. Did you need to? I think that's going to be the attitude for quite a while. I think people will look at it and say, did you need to do that? Couldn't you just do it yourself?"
Pocketpair has previously stated its refusal to publish games developed with generative AI. Buckley reiterated this stance, asserting, "Gamers don't want it." He concluded, "And if the gamers don't want it, I guess that's it, right? Not much of a conversation to be had." The studio's position aligns with a growing sentiment among some developers and players who are wary of undisclosed AI usage in game development and marketing.
Buckley also touched upon the potential for a future where games are marketed by their authenticity, with disclosures specifically noting the absence of AI rather than its presence. He described such a scenario as "a bit dystopian … that's kind of sad to think about." This concern is amplified by instances where undisclosed AI elements have reportedly appeared in released games, and resistance to mandatory AI disclosures from some industry figures.