He believes that the loss of soul in AAA games is paving the way for generative artificial intelligence that can create content.

Over the past decade, AAA games have certainly become more spectacular, expansive, and rich in terms of gameplay. However, many of them take five years to develop and require substantial profits to be profitable, yet they are not innovative enough to stand out. According to Mike Darrah, a former BioWare producer and industry expert, these negative factors affecting AAA titles are why they seem soulless. The exploitative nature of the industry and the promise of shorter development times make generative AI more attractive to developers.

In a YouTube video, Darrah argues that the profit-first, risk-averse approach of AAA studios makes their products feel empty despite all the technical improvements. He claims that, to eliminate risk and reach the widest possible audience, all wit and artistry have been removed from the resulting product. Due to the exploitation of players, players are more open to accepting generative AI because the AAA industry seems much more corporate than ever before. In contrast, AA experiences (e.g., Clair Obscur: Expedition 33) are innovative and satisfying for players.

Darrah adds that this is one reason why some consumers are willing to accept generative AI: they feel that the media has become soulless. He points out that, just like the indie industry, AAA studios also need to devote part of their inflated budgets to exploration to have a chance to evolve. Of course, there will be failures, but finding new formulas that resonate with players will be a huge win for developers.

There is indeed something to what Darrah says. Today, AAA games are less memorable than those released two decades ago. Back then, budgets were smaller, and technological limitations were greater. You had to be creative.

Source: Tech4gamers