Many are unhappy, but the creators behind the new Halo: Campaign Evolved see AI very differently: game director Greg Hermann calls it “a tool in a toolbox” that can streamline pipelines while humans remain the authors of the work.

Xbox’s latest move landed like an info-quake: Halo Studios unveiled the Halo: Campaign Evolved remake and, for the first time, is taking Master Chief to PlayStation. The prospect of enjoying Microsoft’s flagship on PS5 set social feeds ablaze—and sparked a fresh question: did the team lean on generative AI to build the game? That debate opened a window into how the studio actually views the technology.

Following the reveal, the developers gave several interviews, and Rolling Stone asked directly about generative AI. Damon Conn, the project’s executive producer, didn’t confirm or deny specific use, but framed the philosophy: “People are creative. People make games. AI can improve workflows. It can do things for the game.”

He continued: “I want to be very specific and clear in remembering that people are the ones making the game, and if there’s an opportunity to improve a workflow, or something along those lines, we’ll look at it. Really, [generative AI] should be an addition to making a game.” Game director Greg Hermann echoed the stance: “[Generative AI is] a tool in a toolbox.” He noted how lines blur as tools evolve: “We use Photoshop; it has generative fill, for example. The dividing lines can get a little blurry. But I’ll go back to what Damon said: it’s really about that creative spark that comes from people and just improving overall workflows.”

To nail down Redmond’s policy, an Xbox representative told the magazine: “There is no obligation to use generative AI in our game development, and that includes Halo: Campaign Evolved.”

Reactions To The Halo Remake

Industry voices split much like fans did. Jaime Griesemer—a designer on the original 2001 Halo—criticized certain tweaks shown in the first trailer, while series co-creator and longtime art director Marcus Lehto shared a positive take on Halo Studios’ direction. Bottom line: Master Chief’s return isn’t leaving anyone indifferent.

Source: 3DJuegos