Sony believes that machine learning and AI can be used to make development more efficient, and has revealed that it is already using the technology during development. Marvel's Spider-Man 2.
PlayStation makers have recently Corporate Strategy Meeting The company then outlined its long-term “creative entertainment vision.”
The company said its 10-year plan will focus on using technology to “unleash the creativity of creators,” connect diverse people and values to “foster vibrant communities” and invent new experiences that “go beyond imagination.”
AI and machine learning to “help maximize the value of intellectual property”
The company didn't say what new technologies it wanted to introduce, but said it is already using AI technology and machine learning to “support maximizing IP value.” What does this mean in practice? Sony claims it's about finding new solutions to existing problems so it can “deliver franchises faster and at lower cost.”
Sony explained by giving an example of this philosophy in action. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 Developer Insomniac Games recently “utilized machine learning and applied proprietary game-specific speech recognition software” to enable automatic syncing of subtitles in certain languages. The company claims that this technology makes it easier to sync subtitles with character dialogue, “significantly” shortening the subtitling process.
There was a lot of AI talk at Sony this week. Naughty Dog Studios head Neil Druckmann Defended technology In an interview posted to its website, the company claimed the technology would “revolutionize” development, allowing studios to “take on more adventurous projects and push the boundaries of storytelling in games.”
He said AI tools can reduce costs and clear technical hurdles for developers, unleashing creativity in the process. “With AI, creativity sets the limit. Understanding art history, composition and storytelling are essential for effective direction. Tools are evolving rapidly, and tools that were once essential are now outdated,” he continued.
“At Naughty Dog, we go from hand-drawn animation to Jak and Daxter Use of motion capture Unknown WorldIt really enhances the storytelling.”
Sony isn't the first video game company to heavily promote AI technology. Other big names like EA and Microsoft are also promoting the technology, arguing it will be a tool to boost creative talent across the industry while also cutting costs. But some developers worry that using AI, especially generative AI, as a cost-cutting measure will inevitably mean layoffs and cuts.
