Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick believes that artificial intelligence (AI) will have a “profound positive impact” on gaming. During a recent company meeting, he expressed his excitement about the future of AI, noting that it could deliver his “vision for what a new Guitar Hero” game could be. While Kotick acknowledged that AI might have some negative effects, he emphasized the technology’s potential to enable game studios to do things they haven’t been able to do for a long time.
The Future of AI in Gaming
Kotick believes that AI will increasingly play a crucial role in the world of gaming in the next 5-7 years. His enthusiasm about AI is mirrored by EA’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, who also thinks that AI will have a major impact on the video game business in the future. However, both executives did not discuss any potential impact on teams or personnel. Many in the industry are wondering if the rise of AI could lead to layoffs and displacement of jobs.
Call of Duty and Other Involved Games Could Become More Accessible
Kotick also believes that AI could make some of Activision’s more complex games, like Call of Duty, easier for people to pick and become comfortable with. He remarked that currently, people play only a fraction of what they can play because some of it is complex to learn. However, with AI’s help, things could become more accessible to more players.
The Positive and Negative Impact of AI on Society
Kotick noted that AI has the power to have a “meaningful impact” on society in both positive and negative senses at the meeting. And while he was excited about the future possibilities with AI, he also acknowledged that there could be some negative effects. He gave no specifics to support his statement.
AI Could Realize New Possibilities for Guitar Hero
One exciting possibility for AI in gaming, according to Kotick, is its potential to deliver his “vision for what a new Guitar Hero” game could be. While he didn’t go into detail about what exactly this might look like, he was excited about the prospect of AI-powered games finally having “practical reality and applicability.”
Activision Blizzard’s Attempted Sale to Microsoft
Activision Blizzard is currently facing a lot of internal turmoil over employee concerns over harassment and discrimination. The company is also trying to sell itself to Microsoft for $68.7 billion, with both parties filing appeals after a UK authority blocked the sale. The Queen’s lawyer is assisting in the appeal process to help McAfee’s board’s work more “smoothly and effectively.”
Conclusion
AI’s impact on gaming over the next 5-7 years could be “extraordinary,” according to Bobby Kotick. While there are legitimate concerns that AI could lead to workforce displacement, many industry leaders, including Kotick and Andrew Wilson, are optimistic about the technology’s potential to revolutionize the gaming industry.
