The gaming industry has shown increasing interest in artificial intelligence tools in recent years, viewing them as a way to streamline development and cut costs. However, from a creative standpoint, many see AI as blatant plagiarism and a threat to the artistic soul of game development. AI may be the trend of the moment, but not all gamers are on board — especially after a recent controversy involving Microsoft, Geoff Keighley, and a controversial AI-generated replica of Quake II.
Gamers Reject Microsoft Copilot’s AI-Generated Quake II Replica
AI in gaming continues to divide opinions — and often draws heavy criticism when it messes with beloved classics. This weekend, online backlash exploded after The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley shared a post showcasing the Copilot Gaming Experience, a Microsoft experiment using AI to “recreate” video games.
The tool, powered by Microsoft’s Copilot AI, claims to generate every single frame in real-time using a global AI model. The game showcased? A replica of the iconic Quake II, originally released by id Software in 1997.
According to Keighley’s post, the AI-generated version is playable with traditional commands and real-time input. You can even try it for yourself [via this link].
But gamers weren’t impressed. The community lashed out at both Microsoft and Keighley, accusing them of prioritizing AI gimmicks over ensuring studios deliver the high-quality games fans expect. Keighley was also branded a hypocrite, having recently spoken out about mass layoffs in the industry during The Game Awards 2024, only to now promote a technology that many believe is fueling those very layoffs.
How Is AI Being Used in Video Game Development?
Right now, AI tools are mostly used to create environments and assets in game development. Studios claim this reduces both production time and costs.
One clear example is in sports games. Titles like EA Sports FC and NBA 2K have moved away from motion capture, instead using AI to transform real-world matches into data for in-game animations. This has allowed developers to scale from hundreds to thousands of realistic movements.
Still, there’s growing concern among visual artists and audio designers. Many fear game studios will lean heavily on AI to generate assets tailored to user preferences, stripping away the human artistic touch that defines so many great games.
What’s your take on AI in gaming? Is it the future — or the downfall of creativity?
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