PlayStation CEO Believes in AI Benefits for Gaming But Claims \"Human Touch\" is Always Necessary

PlayStation Co-CEO Hermen Hulst on AI in Gaming: Revolutionizing, But Never Replacing Human Creativity

Hermen Hulst, co-CEO of PlayStation, recently shared his perspective on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the gaming industry. While acknowledging AI's potential to revolutionize game development, he emphasized the irreplaceable value of the "human touch." This statement comes as PlayStation celebrates 30 years in the gaming industry, a period marked by significant technological advancements.

A Dual Demand for AI and Human Creativity

Hulst, in an interview with the BBC, stated that AI will significantly impact game development, streamlining processes and potentially automating mundane tasks. However, he believes that the creative aspects of game design will always require human ingenuity and artistry. This sentiment reflects concerns within the industry about AI potentially displacing human workers, as evidenced by recent strikes by voice actors concerned about AI-generated voice replacements.

Market research from CIST supports the growing use of AI in game development, with 62% of surveyed studios utilizing AI for tasks such as rapid prototyping, concept art, asset creation, and world-building. Hulst anticipates a "dual demand" in the future: games incorporating AI-driven innovation alongside games prioritizing handcrafted, carefully considered content.

PlayStation's AI Initiatives and Future Multimedia Expansion

PlayStation itself is actively involved in AI research and development, with a dedicated Sony AI department established in 2022. Beyond gaming, PlayStation is exploring multimedia expansion, adapting its game IPs into films and TV series, citing the upcoming Amazon Prime adaptation of 2018's God of War as an example. Hulst aims to elevate PlayStation's presence within the broader entertainment industry. This ambition might be linked to rumored acquisition plans for Kadokawa Corporation, a Japanese multimedia giant.

Lessons Learned from the PlayStation 3: A Return to First Principles

Reflecting on PlayStation's 30th anniversary, former PlayStation chief Shawn Layden described the PlayStation 3 (PS3) as an "Icarus moment," a period of overly ambitious goals that nearly overwhelmed the team. The PS3 aimed to be a multimedia powerhouse, but this proved too costly and complex. Layden highlighted the importance of prioritizing core gaming functionality in subsequent consoles, a lesson learned from the PS3's challenges. The PS4, he noted, focused on being the best game console, a strategy that contrasted with competitors' multimedia-centric approaches.