Biddy Blas, a peculiar crocodile-like character from Star Wars: Galactic Racer, has become an internet sensation, embodying a creative spark that an AI could not replicate, according to an opinion piece by IGN's Mat Jones.
Blas, described as a "weird little guy" who is knee-high to a Tauntaun with disproportionate rage, has captured the attention of players and the internet alike. His unexpected popularity serves as a counterpoint to the growing trend of "AI first" production models in game development, such as the reported approach for an unannounced Epic Games Star Wars and Marvel crossover shooter. Jones argues that while AI can generate content, it lacks the nuanced understanding and creative impulse necessary to create breakout characters like Blas.
The Essence of a "Glub Shitto"
Biddy Blas exemplifies what fans have dubbed a "Glub Shitto" character: not central to the main narrative, but so arrestingly memorable in their limited screen time that they become a fan favorite. The character's appeal is attributed not just to his visual design but also to specific creative choices, including his "ridiculous" voice performance by Richard Summers-Calvert and his Huttese catchphrase, "Scrib Doon." These elements, Jones contends, are products of human artistry and lived experience, which AI cannot authentically replicate.
Will de Renzy-Martin, lead actor for The Blood of Dawnwalker, echoed this sentiment, stating that AI cannot capture the personality, choices, and interactions that an actor brings to a role. He suggested that while AI might produce vocalizations, the nuanced performance and direction required to imbue those sounds with meaning would still necessitate human involvement, potentially at a higher cost than employing an actor.
Beyond Star Wars
The argument extends beyond Biddy Blas to other games showcasing unique character design. Valve's hybrid MOBA-shooter Deadlock has reportedly seen a surge in player engagement following a patch that introduced new characters with distinct creative flair. Examples include the Rat King, with hundreds of individually written dialogue lines, and Solomon, whose weapon is a chessboard featuring historically significant endgames. These character details, driven by deliberate human decision-making, foster player investment and contribute to a game's appeal, elements that AI-generated content may struggle to match.
The Future of Game Development
Jones expresses concern that an overreliance on AI in ideation and production could pose an existential threat to the medium's creativity. He argues that while AI might offer efficiencies and profitability, it risks producing content that lacks the "unique spark of newness" essential for compelling marketing and player engagement. If games primarily offer variations of existing ideas, the incentive for players to invest time and money diminishes, especially when compared to the allure of original, human-conceived experiences like Biddy Blas.
This perspective comes amidst broader industry challenges, including studio closures and rising production costs. While the exact future of game development remains uncertain, the enduring appeal of characters like Biddy Blas suggests that human creativity will continue to be a vital component in crafting memorable and impactful gaming experiences.