Summary
The lead performance director forBlack Myth: Wukonghas shared her opinion on the use of AI in game development, stating the tech is incapable of replicating the human touch in creative material. AI is a worrying topic for many industry professionals, but there are also a handful of major companies that are in favor of its usage. The director confirmed she wasn’t involved in any AI work while developingBlack Myth: Wukongand would likely never use it.
Black Myth: Wukongwas released in August 2024 and the premise was inspired by the classical Chinese novelJourney to the Westand based on the Monkey King Sun Wukong. Compared to the Soulslike genre, the title received praise for its culture, visuals, and combat, and Game Science’s action RPG recently emerged as the victorious Game of the Year winner at a prestigious ceremony.The Golden Joystick Awards victor could indicate its triumph at this year’s The Game Awards, meaning Wukong could be on a winning streak.
Speaking at the 2024 BAFTA Breakthrough cohort (via Niche Gamer),Black Myth: Wukong’s lead performance director Beth Parker was asked her thoughts on the use of AI. Parker was opposed to using the technology, saying, “I can’t really see myself welcoming AI voices.” Parker gave a key reason behind her stance, noting that technology would never be able to replicate the potency of human elements. “You’re going to lose the element that people care about when they’re interacting with characters in games, which is human, chaotic emotion, which AI might be able to replicate in intonation, but it will never, ever be able to replicate, you know, the feeling behind something.” Parker explained.Black Myth: Wukongis one of the best games set in China, and in addition to giving life to the culture through art direction, the essence of its character development and storytelling is a skill only humans have succeeded at manifesting thus far.
Black Myth: Wukong Director Airs Major Criticism Against AI
Parker added that it was paramount for gamers to become invested in the world they are escaping into, and the director thought companies using AI are “losing value in the products they are making.” It’s not only professionals from the gaming industry that are speaking out against the software, asJoJo’s Bizzare Adventuremangaka Hirohiko Araki recently aired his apprehension towards AI, mainly the surge of fraudsters that will grow with the technology.
Nintendo director Shigeru Miyamoto is another titan of industry commenting on AI’s progression, and he clarified the Japanese publisher’s stance on it.Miyamoto confirmed Nintendo has no plans to use AI in its projects, highlighting the developer is committed to continue making valuable content for gamers that AI cannot replicate at this time. With such a high percentage of the industry and gaming community against the tech, it’s good to know where Nintendo stands on the subject.
Black Myth: Wukong
WHERE TO PLAY
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology and based on Journey to the West, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature.You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.As the Destined One, you shall encounter powerful foes and worthy rivals throughout your journey. Fearlessly engage them in epic battles where surrender is not an option.Aside from mastering various staff techniques, you can also freely combine different spells, abilities, weapons, and equipment to find the winning strategy that best suits your combat style.
