Hideo Kojima Believes AI Is Here to Stay and "We Can't Go Back"

Writer-director Hideo Kojima has shared more thoughts on AI, this time saying he believes the technology is here to stay and "we can't go back." Speaking to Nikkei Xtrend, as translated by GamesRadar, Kojima said, "Now there are so many people who can't live without their smartphones. AI is like that."

He added: "I think there isn't any point in saying 'We shouldn't use AI' or 'AI is useless.' We can't go back. Smartphones were the same." Kojima's comments suggest that AI has reached a point of ubiquity similar to smartphones, where attempting to resist or reject the technology is no longer practical or meaningful.

What Kojima is saying lines up somewhat with the thoughts that Kingdom Come boss Daniel Vavra recently expressed about AI. He said, "It's time to face reality. AI is here to stay with us. As frightening as it may be, that's the way it is." This shared perspective from prominent game developers indicates a growing acceptance of AI as an inevitable part of the industry's future.

Also in the interview, Kojima said AI might lead to changes in how people communicate, specifically saying it could help people with social anxiety to communicate better in face-to-face scenarios. At the same time, Kojima said people should be mindful of how much they use AI. This balanced perspective acknowledges both the potential benefits and the need for responsible usage.

Before this, Kojima said people should embrace, not fear, the further adoption of AI. He said it can be helpful tool for handling repetitive tasks, allowing human creators to focus on more imaginative work. This view positions AI as a tool that can enhance human creativity rather than replace it entirely.

Of course, not everyone agrees with Kojima, including a Silent Hill f producer who said AI won't be able to make "bold choices" that people can. Lots of other people have also expressed a number of serious concerns about AI, including surrounding topics like job losses and the environmental impact of building out AI infrastructure, among other things. Meanwhile, video game concept artists have said using generative AI does not make things easier.

Baldur's Gate and Divinity studio Larian recently caused a stir based on CEO Swen Vincke's comments about AI. The executive said essential context was "lost in translation" and that he will answer questions on the topic in January. This incident highlights how discussions about AI in game development can quickly become controversial and require careful communication.

The debate over AI in game development reflects broader questions about technology's role in creative industries. While some developers like Kojima see AI as an inevitable tool that can enhance creativity, others worry about its impact on artistic expression and employment. These concerns are valid and deserve serious consideration as the industry continues to evolve.

Kojima's comparison to smartphones is particularly interesting, as it suggests that AI may follow a similar adoption curve. Just as smartphones transformed how people communicate and access information, AI could fundamentally change how games are developed and experienced. However, the comparison also raises questions about whether this transformation will be entirely positive.

As the gaming industry continues to grapple with AI implementation, the perspectives of influential creators like Kojima will likely shape how developers approach the technology. His emphasis on embracing AI while remaining mindful of its usage provides a framework for navigating this complex landscape, balancing innovation with responsibility.

The ongoing discussion about AI in game development is far from settled, with valid arguments on both sides. While Kojima's perspective suggests that resistance is futile, the concerns raised by others about creativity, employment, and environmental impact cannot be dismissed. The industry will need to find ways to address these concerns while moving forward with AI integration.