Square Enix vets say devs of the future will need to 'master the use of AI', but the human touch will still be vital

The use of artificial intelligence in game development is a contentious topic, but in Japan, it is being embraced more than in the Western world. A Famitsu interview with experienced Square Enix developers provides insight into their perspective on AI's role in the future of game creation.

Hiromichi Tanaka, a former Final Fantasy game developer, believes that the future of games will be shaped by how well people can master AI usage. Yoshinori Kitase, a current Final Fantasy producer, agrees and stresses that major game companies must adapt their development methods to stay relevant. He notes that the rise of accessible game engines has led to an increase in indie games, making it easier for even those with limited experience to create games.

However, Kitase also acknowledges the risk of easy idea theft, citing the Moonlighter developer's experience of having their demo cloned and removed from Steam. Despite this, Kitase emphasizes that human involvement is crucial in turning ideas into reality. He believes that the next generation of creators must possess the ability to transform zero into one, highlighting the importance of the human touch in the creative process.