For a long time, Artificial Intelligence in video games typically referred to how in-game enemies ‘thought’ or behaved. However, the term has taken on a dramatically different meaning today. Players are increasingly wary, and often outright displeased, when developers incorporate generative AI (GenAI), especially if its use isn’t disclosed upfront.
This sentiment recently came to a head with the launch of Crimson Desert. Following a public apology and clarification from the game’s developers regarding their use of GenAI, former Blizzard CEO and current Microsoft VP Mike Ybarra weighed in with his perspective, which subsequently drew significant backlash.
Ybarra provocatively questioned the apology, stating, “Why apologize? AI, in some form, will be in every video game.” He continued, “I don’t understand why developers feel the need to bend over backwards for the few people who can’t accept the reality that AI will be in everything – from video games to your fridge (it already is). Be courageous.”
Ybarra’s comments were met with widespread criticism from responders, many of whom highlighted what they perceived as a profound disconnect from the general gaming community. Streamer and former Blizzard developer ‘Pirate Software’ notably described it as “maximum CEO disconnect.”
While the public appears to be increasingly open to the presence of AI in games, especially when its implementation is refined – as seen in cases like Crimson Desert or Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 – a crucial demand from fans is for upfront disclosure of AI usage, aligning with platforms like Steam’s terms of service.