In a recent presentation, Hideaki Nishino, the President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, shared how the company plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into game development. He sees AI as a “powerful tool” that will help Sony achieve its goal of being the top place for both gaming and publishing.
Nishino discussed several benefits of using AI, including automating workflow, boosting productivity, and speeding up tasks like quality assurance, 3D modeling, and animation. One notable example he mentioned was a tool called Mockingbird, which can animate 3D facial models by utilizing performance capture data.
Sony’s studios are already using this AI animation tool. For instance, it was employed in remastering “Horizon Zero Dawn.” The process involved transforming real-life video footage of hairstyles into intricate 3D models, which significantly cut down the time typically needed for manual creation. Notable studios such as Naughty Dog and San Diego Studio are also leveraging similar tools to enhance their projects.
However, Nishino emphasized that the core vision, design, and emotional resonance of their games will always depend on the creative talents of their teams. To protect the integrity of their artists, Sony has partnered with Bandai Namco to investigate how generative AI can complement new technologies while staying true to the creator’s vision in video production.
Nishino also pointed out that AI could enhance the visual quality of the upcoming PS5 Pro, providing players with a fresh and immersive gaming experience while making production more efficient for publishers.
The discussion around generative AI, however, remains contentious. Some companies herald it as the next big advancement in technology, while many gamers are wary of AI’s influence on their gaming experiences. Recently, a survey indicated that 58% of players are against AI changing the essence of their games.
Despite these mixed feelings, Sony’s approach is seen by many as practical, seeking to automate repetitive tasks so that artists can dedicate more time to creativity. It’s worth noting that Horizon’s Steam page does not disclose AI usage, as Valve only requires disclosure for fully AI-generated content, not for tools that assist workflows.
In a related update, Sony revealed that it has yet to finalize a launch window for the PlayStation 6 and anticipates losses nearing $600 million from its acquisition of Bungie.
