- Sony CEO Hideaki Nishino shows commitment to using AI for PlayStation game development
- Nishino intends to use AI to improve game development and ‘unleash creativity in our studios’
- This comes amid the controversy surrounding AI’s impact on the gaming market and its use in Nvidia’s DLSS 5
AI is causing significant problems in the PC and game console markets with exorbitant RAM prices and shortages – and now there’s another reason gamers should be concerned about its presence in games.
As reported by VGC, Sony CEO Hideaki Nishino recently highlighted a new plan that includes using AI on the PlayStation to improve productivity in game development.
This comes amid controversy over AI driving up prices not only across the board due to increased memory demand, but also through Nvidia’s DLSS 5 (scheduled for late 2026), which many have compared to a generative AI filter for games.
DLSS 5’s introduction has already served as a worrying sign of what game development can ultimately become, and it’s not even here yet – and while it will be optional for players, many developers have already backed the tool and plan to use it when it’s available.
That’s exactly what makes Nishino’s promise to use AI concerning, as he stated: “At PlayStation, our goal is always to be the best place to play and the best place to publish. We see AI as a powerful tool to help us in this mission.”
The latter statement effectively mimics what was said about DLSS 5 by Nvidia itself and some game developers and publishers, suggesting that AI will only be used as a ‘tool’ and not a centerpiece of games, but it’s not that simple.
Nisihino went on to say, “The vision, design, and emotional impact of our games will always come from the talent of our studios and artists. AI is meant to augment their abilities, not replace them,” further insinuating AI will strictly be used for game development.
“We believe AI will unleash creativity in our studios, drive a more curated platform and enhance the PlayStation experience for players and creators alike.”
On paper, PlayStation’s commitment to keeping AI use strictly within game development without replacing human artists isn’t necessarily a bad thing (nor a popular move), but it’s what it could ultimately lead to that is very worrying.
With DLSS 5, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told gamers that they were ‘completely wrong’ about DLSS 5 being generative AI in games, as it was ‘content-driven generative AI’. However, these were taken as buzzwords to prevent players from seeing DLSS 5 for what it actually is, as it clearly changes character and environmental details and deviates from the artist’s design choices.
PlayStation doesn’t have a DLSS 5-equivalent case (thankfully), but AI’s very presence in game development for the company to begin with means there’s a chance its use could spread even further, perhaps with gen AI assets appearing in games.
It’s not much of a stretch to suggest that the latter could happen when Activision is actively using AI in its Call of Duty games that have not gone down well with players. The only hope left is that consumer backlash keeps PlayStation and its first-party studios at bay, and if DLSS 5 is anything to go by, it’s a decent start.
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