From Pcgamer · · 1m 40s
AI Debate Heats Up Between Game Artists and Epic CEO
Game artist Kenney and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney clash over AI in game development on X.
In brief
Game artist Kenney and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney clash over AI in game development on X. Game artist Kenney warns against AI adoption in games, while Epic CEO Tim Sweeney defends generative AI tools as necessary for economic viability. Originally reported by Pcgamer.
Kenney's AI Warning
Game artist Kenney warns against AI adoption in games, saying it's immoral in its current state.
“Don't let billionaires convince you slop is the future. They're used to managing & directing, not making things themselves.”
Sweeney's AI Defense
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney argues generative AI is necessary for game development economic viability.
“As a provider of technology to the whole industry, I see it as Epic's job and my job to make the positive case for it.”
Sweeney's X Rebuttal
Sweeney directly responded to Kenney's post with a sarcastic challenge: 'This is bullshit, Kenney. I've upped my expectations of AI. Up yours!'
“This is bullshit, Kenney," Sweeney told the artist, concluding his rebuttal with a cute double entendre: "I've upped my expectations of AI. Up yours!"”
Musk's Support
Elon Musk backed Sweeney's stance on AI, amplifying the debate on X.
“This is bullshit, Kenney," Sweeney told the artist, concluding his rebuttal with a cute double entendre: "I've upped my expectations of AI. Up yours!"”
Steam Survey Results
69% of Steam users are neutral, fine with, or have no problem with AI in games, but 55% want stricter AI disclosure rules.
“A recent survey of Steam users by GameDiscoverCo found that the majority, about 69%, are either "neutral," "fine with," or "have absolutely no problem with" buying games that disclose the use of AI in their development.”
Sweeney's Anti-AI Campaign
Sweeney claims anti-AI groups are a "pessimistic minority running a venomous, vocal pressure campaign to force compliance and silence dissent."
“I've described the anti-AI crowd as "a pessimistic minority running a venomous, vocal pressure campaign to force compliance and silence dissent."”
Kenney's Stance
Kenney prefers to leave the industry when he's older rather than be associated with AI tools.
“I'd rather leave the industry someday when I'm old(...er) and have everyone remember me for the good stuff I did and the many people I've helped, rather than for lining my own pockets.”
AI Adoption in Games
Games like Arc Raiders, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and Aion 4 use AI tools despite criticism.
“The generative AI use in Arc Raiders led to a 2/5 review in Eurogamer, but the extraction shooter nevertheless sold over 16 million copies.”
Developer Concerns
Over 50% of developers think AI is bad for the industry, and many fear being left behind without AI tools.
“As of the most recent Game Developers Conference survey, over 50% of devs think AI is bad for the industry.”
Sweeney's Productivity Claim
Sweeney predicts studios will see productivity gains of 2x to 4x with AI tools.
“I predict that studios will see "productivity gains of at least 2x to 4x" with AI tools, and says that "all developers need to be prepared for this."”
The Great Impasse
Kenney warns that AI adoption could betray the game development community's spirit of collaboration.
“I'm worried that the part of the industry I love is going to disappear or be taken over by people who aren't in it for the love of the craft, but rather for the grift.”
The takeaway
Game artist Kenney warns against AI adoption in games, while Epic CEO Tim Sweeney defends generative AI tools as necessary for economic viability.
