By AI support in various fields “from programming to artistry”
Sony has just declared a new Horizon title with Horizon Steel Frontiers, an MMO debuting on mobile and PC, and it hasn’t been well-received by the audience.
To exacerbate the situation, the developer NCSOFT has revealed that the game has been partially constructed utilizing AI support — a subject that tends to create division.
In a piece on Korean platform Ruliweb, the team answers questions regarding several upcoming projects, including Horizon Steel Frontiers.
When queried about AI NPCs within the game, NCSOFT confirms that AI is being utilized “thoroughly” throughout the creation process.
Here’s the complete response, translated by ResetEra user Neha:
“Internally, we are evaluating and receiving assistance from basic NPCs during cooperative or combative scenarios. As this is an ARPG, we benefit from guidance on various fronts, such as determining the ideal number of players for gameplay instead of utilizing a vast number of users. Additionally, we are incorporating AI in production, spanning from programming to artistic design.
It is being significantly utilized in actual development, and the technologies will probably be disclosed individually in due course. The Horizon development team is also the group most committed to harnessing AI. We are using it thoroughly, and you can anticipate a notable increase in AI integration in the releases following Aion 2.”
NCSOFT states that Horizon Steel Frontiers employs AI to assist with countless production elements, “from programming to artistry”.
Clearly, generative AI tools have sparked significant debate as the technology continues to expand and advance.
Another studio facing criticism for its AI applications is Embark Studio, which recently launched the highly successful ARC Raiders.
This trend seems likely to grow in prevalence in the future, as each developer and publisher must determine their own best practices regarding the technology, if they choose to utilize it at all.
Nevertheless, this AI implementation in Horizon Steel Frontiers isn’t likely to enhance its perception among certain fans, many of whom are already upset that the game is bypassing PS5 for the time being.
What are your thoughts on this? Share with us in the comments section below.
[source m.ruliweb.com, via resetera.com]
Stephen has been with the Push Square team for over six years, bringing endless enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of video games to his position as Assistant Editor. Having grown up indulging in every PlayStation console thus far, he has developed a varied preference, with a particular fondness for indie titles, arcade racers, and puzzle games. He’s also our expert on Sonic-related topics, much to his delight/displeasure.