Masahiro Sakurai, the director of the Super Smash Bros. series, has expressed concerns about the future of game development, especially for large-scale AAA projects. He believes that the industry may increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) if the current trend continues. Recent headlines have highlighted challenges such as mass layoffs, canceled games, and an uptick in delays. These issues have coincided with rising video game prices, causing disappointment among both consumers and developers.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Japan, Sakurai shared his apprehensions regarding the sustainability of large-scale game development. He noted that creating these games often requires significantly more time than is reasonable. As a potential solution, he suggested that AI could be deployed to enhance work efficiency, making large projects more manageable. This perspective reflects a broader uncertainty in the industry about how to navigate these evolving challenges.
Developing major games, particularly new intellectual properties, often involves extensive time and investment. For instance, a project like Concord, which took nearly a decade to develop, was ultimately terminated just weeks after its release. Conversely, some franchises like Call of Duty have budgets soaring to around $700 million, even as overall game prices have stagnated amid rising inflation. Sakurai’s proposal of integrating AI could potentially streamline development, cut costs, and improve quality control, giving developers more time to eliminate bugs and enhance gameplay.
However, there are valid concerns about the implications of AI in the workforce. Many game developers fear that AI might be used not as an assistant but as a replacement, leading to job losses. Players have expressed frustration with AI usage in gaming, and voice actors are concerned about their roles being diminished. As the industry focuses on large-scale projects, it is crucial that AI aids existing workflows rather than displaces valued workers.