The Last of Us director Neil Druckman is now touting AI as a way to "push the boundaries of storytelling in games" amid industry concerns about the technology's impact on game developers and consumers.

In an interview with parent company Sony, Naughty Dog's Druckman hinted plans to integrate the "cutting-edge technology" to elevate the game's narrative while also reducing "costs and technical hurdles."

So far, Druckman's team has started preparing for the advent of AI into their workflow as the construction of physical sets and materials needed for motion-capture shoots.

And it is not for props and set alone, the studio head shared how AI use would be "significantly enhancing our storytelling" for future The Last of Us and Uncharted projects, including creating "nuanced dialogues and characters."

The interview was part of PlayStation's ongoing campaign to use AI to "create more personalized experiences and meaningful stories for consumers" because it is important to Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

It is worth noting that most studios caught using generative AI in their games were blasted online as players called out "unethical" practices of applying AI in an arts-centric industry.

Game Devs Take Step Towards AI Exploration

Naughty Dog was not the first game developer that hinted at plans to add AI technology into their operations despite loud backlash from their main players.

Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts franchise publisher Square Enix earlier announced plans to adapt AI technology for future game development and marketing strategies.

This coincides with Steam backtracking its earlier policies stopping video games that used AI on their game store.

These happen coincidentally as more game studios lay off workers, particularly those in the graphics division, as part of their supposed cost-cutting measures. 

Also Read: Square Enix Embraces AI for Future Game Development, Marketing

More Game Industry Layoffs

Throughout 2024, several game developer studios have already seen massive layoffs as companies try to turn a profit amid industry slowdowns.

One of the notable layoffs that happened earlier this year was with EA cutting down its workforce by 5%, many of which reportedly were in its graphics and design division.

The company was then later caught using AI-generated images to promote Apex Legends.

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