Video games have come a long way since their inception, developing from simple pixelated graphics and basic gameplay to immersive, lifelike experiences that rival Hollywood blockbusters. One of the key drivers behind this evolution is Generative AI (GenAI) technology. GenAI is revolutionizing the gaming industry by enhancing graphics, gameplay, and even storytelling. In this article, we will check what GenAI technology is, explore its applications in popular video games, and provide insights from authoritative studies and interviews. So are you ready to dive in?

Popular Games That Use or Going to Use Generative AI Technology

Technologies like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and others make generative AI increasingly popular in different industries. Thus, AI has started to be integrated into game development and the production of user-generated content. In games, AI is typically employed to create in-game behaviors for non-player characters (NPCs) or brand-new locations in games that are procedurally generated (like roguelikes). On the other hand, generative AI expands the technology's potential applications from the very beginning of a game's development. A few well-known games have already employed or will soon use generative AI technology.

#1 — Destiny 2

This is a popular free-to-play online multiplayer first-person shooter incorporating RPG and massively multiplayer online (MMO) elements. The game's developers, Bungie, use data-driven models to create new weapons and armor based on player feedback and gameplay data. Crota's End is a raid in the game Destiny 2, completing which players can get the best weapons such as Song of Ir Yût, Necrochasm, Abyss Defiant, etc. You can also get these and other top weapons by purchasing the Crotas End carry boost.

#2 — No Man's Sky

No Man's Sky by Hello Games is a groundbreaking example of GenAI's impact on procedural content generation. The game features a vast universe with billions of procedurally generated planets, each with its own unique ecosystems, creatures, and terrain. GenAI algorithms create these planets and ensure that players encounter a virtually limitless variety of environments, making exploration a central and endlessly engaging aspect of the game.

#3 — The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Although not originally designed with GenAI, Skyrim has seen mods and enhancements that incorporate AI-driven technologies. These mods improve character behavior, create more realistic NPC interactions, and enhance the game's visual fidelity, breathing new life into an older title.

#4 — Minecraft

The iconic sandbox game has also seen GenAI implementation through mods and plugins. These AI-powered additions can generate complex structures, provide assistance in building, and enhance the game's overall experience by introducing new challenges and interactions.

#5 — Unity

Unity, the most popular game engine in the market today, has recently announced that it aims to open a GenAI marketplace for game developers. They primarily aim to use the AI solution to offer personalized scenarios based on player input.

What's the Future of AI in Video Games?

Anticipated to exert a profound influence on the gaming sector over the next decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to shape the future of gaming in several impactful ways:

• Enhanced NPC dynamics — AI is set to revolutionize the behavior of non-playable characters (NPCs) within games, elevating them to a new level of realism and dynamism. These NPCs will not merely follow predefined scripts but will instead learn from the actions of players, adapting to provide more challenging and individualized gaming experiences.
• Procedural world building — The power of AI will be harnessed for procedural content generation, simplifying the creation of vast open-world environments, levels, and various in-game assets. This automation will enable game developers to construct expansive and immersive game worlds efficiently, freeing up their time to focus on innovating fresh gameplay mechanics and features.
• Automated playtesting — AI will streamline the playtesting process, accelerating and refining game-testing procedures. With AI-driven tools, testers can carry out their tasks with increased efficiency, making the overall playtesting phase smoother and more time-effective.
• Revamped graphics — AI's prowess will extend to character animations, ushering in smoother and more lifelike movements in video games. Its predictive capabilities will be leveraged to create entirely new virtual gaming realms with real-time lighting effects and scene illumination, pushing the boundaries of graphical excellence.
• Personalized player experiences — AI-driven personalization will be a hallmark of future gaming experiences. Developers may craft games from scratch, tailoring them to individual players' preferences and habits, thus providing a truly unique and engaging journey for each player.

According to a report from Forbes, AI is primed to continuously empower the creation of online games, introducing heightened interactivity, an endless array of narrative possibilities, top-tier graphics and visuals, realistic NPCs, and tailor-made experiences. As the role of AI in the gaming industry continues to expand, it is poised to usher in numerous innovations, including NPCs that evolve, learn, and adapt in real time.

So What’s the Future?

The future of AI in gaming looks promising, with the technology likely becoming increasingly accessible to developers, enabling a more extensive community of game creators to leverage its capabilities effectively. The gaming landscape is on the cusp of an exciting transformation, with AI leading the way into a new era of immersive and dynamic gameplay.

The author's name is Chloe Boone / Senior Content Writer