Arc Raiders dev Embark Studios wants to get AI plan just right
Embark Studios boss Patrick Soderlund says developers are in a "race" to find the best ways to use AI.
Embark Studios boss Patrick Soderlund says developers are in a "race" to find the best ways to use AI.
The studio's recent hit Arc Raiders sparked controversy with its use of AI, Soderland - whose is now executive chairman of Nexon - has opened up about the way the technology is influencing gaming.
As quoted by GamesRadar, he said in a recent presentation: "Every company has a plan; most will get it wrong."
He added that there is a "race" to find the best AI strategies in game development, but he warned that the winners "won't be the first move".
The Embark co-founder said: "The winners will be the ones who understood the challenge.
"Think of game development as auto mechanics. The tools are available to everyone, but not everyone has the knowledge and experience to use them.
"That's where Nexon is different."
Soderlund encouraged his teams on games like The Finals and ARc Raiders, which led to AI-based text to speech systems for situational NPC dialogue, although they have dialled back and used more voice actors.
He had urged his teams to "use smarter processes" across the board, including embracing better tools and ditching longterm habits "that no longer serve them".
The studios first two games had "significantly fewer people" involved in development, which was done at a "fraction of the cost" of more traditional AAA titles.
He added: "Our success wasn't an accident - it was deliberate."
