Naughty Dog Boss Neil Druckmann Says AI Will ‘Revolutionize How Content Is Being Created’

Naughty Dog boss Neil Druckmann has said AI will “revolutionize” video game development process, but cautioned that the controversial technology has “ethical issues.”

Druckmann, Studio Head and Head of Creative at The Last of Us and Uncharted developer Naughty Dog, issued the comment as part of a Sony-published interview on the company’s ‘Creative Entertainment Vision.’ Druckmann was asked how he envisions the “fusion of storytelling and technology evolving over the next 10 years” as part of a Sony series that also revealed an idea for a futuristic PlayStation controller.

Here’s Druckmann’s response in full:

We’re seeing this exciting marriage of cutting-edge technology with traditional storytelling that’s pushing us into a future where enhanced fidelity isn’t just about achieving realism, but about broadening the spectrum from highly stylized visuals to ultra-realistic ones. This broadening of possibilities is fueled by increasingly accessible tools that allow even non-technical people to use their imagination and create worlds and narratives to their heart’s content.

Moreover, AI is really going to revolutionize how content is being created, although it does bring up some ethical issues we need to address. With technologies like AI and the ability to do motion capture right from home, we’re reducing both costs and technical hurdles, opening the door for us to take on more adventurous projects and push the boundaries of storytelling in games. This evolution is truly empowering creators to bring their visions to life without the traditional obstacles.

Later in the interview Druckmann said AI will let Naughty Dog “create nuanced dialogues and characters, expanding creative possibilities,” but insisted it was “crucial to precisely direct these tools to achieve the intended outcomes.”

“I emphasize mastering fundamentals over tools; with AI, your creativity sets the limits,” Druckmann said. “Understanding art history, composition, and storytelling is essential for effective direction. Tools evolve quickly — some tools once essential, now are obsolete. At Naughty Dog, we transitioned from hand-animating ‘Jak and Daxter’ to using motion capture in ‘Uncharted’, significantly enhancing our storytelling. AI will allow us to create nuanced dialogues and characters, expanding creative possibilities. However, it’s crucial to precisely direct these tools to achieve the intended outcomes.”

Druckmann’s comments have caused a stir online, particularly within the video game community where the impact of AI is perhaps the hottest topic. Developers and gamers have expressed concern about the use of AI to replace everything from voice acting to narrative design, but executives have continued to push it hard, telling the investment community it will fundamentally change how video games are made and, as Druckmann alludes to, cut costs.

As part of the same Sony series, head of PlayStation Productions and head of Product at PlayStation Studios Asad Qizilbash weighed in on AI to say its use in video games is important to Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers who seek “personalization across everything.”

“For instance, non-player characters in games could interact with players based on their actions, making it feel more personal,” Qizilbash said. “This is important for the younger Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences, who are the first generations that grew up digitally and are looking for personalization across everything, as well as looking for experiences to have more meaning.”

Earlier this month, EA boss Andrew Wilson told the investment community that “more than 50% of our development processes will be positively impacted by the advances in generative AI.” Wilson, who oversees EA Sports FC, The Sims, and BioWare games, added that AI will make game development “more efficient”, revealing that the EA Sports FC developers can now make stadiums in six weeks rather than six months.

The Witcher voice actor Doug Cockle also expressed caution and frustration at the growing presence of AI within the video game industry, calling it “inevitable” but “dangerous.” Ironically, however, the biggest developer to use AI for voice acting so far is The Witcher studio CD Projekt Red, though this was only done to replace a deceased voice actor after gaining permission from the family.

In March, video game support developer Keywords Studios tried to create a game solely using artificial intelligence but failed because the technology was “unable to replace talent.”

“One of the key learnings was that whilst Gen AI may simplify or accelerate certain processes, the best results and quality needed can only be achieved by experts in their field utilising Gen AI as a new, powerful tool in their creative process,” Keywords said.

Elsewhere in the Druckmann interview, the Last of Us director teased Naughty Dog’s new game, saying it “could redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming.”

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].