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Generative AI

News about AI services and models, as well as case studies on the use of generative artificial intelligence in video game development.

Among the trailers shown at The Game Awards 2024 ceremony, the trailer for Catly—an MMO featuring cats by the studio SuperAuthenti—caught some attention. Online suspicions arose that it, like the game itself, might have been created using generative artificial intelligence (AI). In a comment to IGN, the developers of Catly stated that this is not the case
Campfire has successfully secured $3.95 million for its generative AI engine, Sprites. As reported by Venturebeat, the seed funding round included contributions from Y Combinator, FundersClub, Immad Akhund of Mercury, gaming entrepreneur and investor Juha Paananen, and Chris Ye, the founder of Uken Games. To demonstrate the capabilities of their technology, Campfire is working on its own game, Cozy Friends. This game will feature characters with the ability to "remember previous interactions, retain key information on topics, and exhibit a high level of emotional intelligence, influencing the flow of conversation and ensuring each user has a unique experience"
SAG-AFTRA has advanced in obtaining improved rights for video game actors through a new collaboration with Lightspeed LA. The developer, owned by Tencent, has agreed to the union's Interim Interactive Media Agreement, which provides protections for actors worried about AI applications affecting their voice work. SAG-AFTRA members are presently on strike, largely due to concerns that studios might have actors record lines, then employ AI to alter or generate additional content instead of rehiring the performers.
During a presentation at Devcom, Judy Ehrentraut, the creative content strategist for Red Meat Games, emphasized the significance of ethically training generative AI models and explored various tools that can be employed in game development. Ehrentraut remarked, "AI is the biggest buzzword and it's either hyped as the new way to solve every productivity problem, or it's received with a groan." She noted that both perspectives have merit, as disruptive technologies are not inherently positive or negative. Their impact is largely determined by the manner and ethical framework in which they are implemented
Generative artificial intelligence, or GenAI, is opening up numerous avenues in the gaming sector. This year's prominent developer conferences, such as GDC, have been dominated by discussions on leveraging GenAI for generating multiple maps and levels, streamlining development processes, performing quality assurance tasks, and even interacting with players' in-game actions. Major industry players are actively advancing hardware to facilitate GenAI, exemplified by NVIDIA's introduction of the SUPER series GPUs earlier this year. Considering these developments, one can easily envision a future where GenAI significantly influences both game development and gameplay. However, amidst the excitement, there are also legal challenges that need to be resolved before publishers can fully embrace GenAI
FRVR has secured $12.7 million in a funding round spearheaded by Iberis Capital, with Indico Capital Partners and Lince Capital also participating. The company remarked that the "significant investment is a testament to the confidence that FRVR's new and existing investors have in the company's vision and execution." This financing will support the "further development of its AI-powered game creation platform," which the firm claims "has the potential to disrupt the status quo and offer a new level of speed in creation and distribution for both developers and non-developers"
Next month's GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit will feature a prominent AI specialist discussing the 'potentials and pitfalls' of integrating AI tools into the workplace. The event is scheduled for September 18 at the Royal Institution in London, with tickets available for purchase here. Tommy Thompson from AI in Games will share a comprehensive overview of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI. His presentation will cover the use of various AI systems in human resources, highlight potential challenges associated with their adoption in HR processes, and address broader issues relevant to studio-wide implementation, such as intellectual property, copyright concerns, and the evolving regulatory environment
Activision Blizzard has sanctioned the utilization of generative AI tools, including Midjourney and Stable Diffusion, for creating concept art and marketing materials. This information comes from a recent Wired investigation, which cited an internal memo from Michael Vance, Activision's former chief technology officer, who approved the use of these AI tools. Although Vance stepped down from his role in January 2024, he continues to work for Activision as a fellow software engineer. A former employee revealed that the company assured its artists that generative AI would be used exclusively for internal concepts and not for final game assets, asserting that AI would not replace human artists
GiantX, a prominent name in gaming and esports, has taken over AI esports coaching start-up iTero Gaming. Although the exact financial terms remain confidential, the acquisition is described as a "multi-million dollar deal" by the company. Following the acquisition, iTero's founder, Jack J Williams, has been named the head of gaming technology at GiantX. Williams established iTero Gaming in 2022
The SAG-AFTRA National Board has unanimously granted its lead negotiator the authority to initiate an immediate strike to safeguard voice actors' job security amid the rise of generative AI technology in the industry. According to a statement from SAG-AFTRA, which encompasses over 160,000 actors, broadcast journalists, news writers, recording artists, voiceover artists, and other media professionals, a strike would suspend all services covered by the Interactive Media Agreement. The union further articulated that "the strike shall be over all covered services under the Interactive Media Agreement and all SAG-AFTRA members will cease rendering all services and performing all work covered by the IMA." Despite ongoing discussions under the Interactive Media Agreement, the union maintains that there remains a significant gap in resolving key terms related to critical AI protections for video game performers
The Edmonton-based startup Artificial Agency has secured $16 million in funding for its "AI-powered behavior engine." The financing round saw contributions from Radical Ventures, Toyota Ventures, Flying Fish, Kaya, BDC Deep Tech, and Tirta Ventures. After operating in stealth mode for a year, the company has announced its emergence, stating that it is collaborating closely with several notable AAA studios. The behavior engine is projected to be available to all studios by 2025