In case you missed it, Epic Games just announced what Unreal 5.2 is going to be able to do and the shift in tech is amazing. I’d recommend watching this short 3min video if you are interested to see what was released but the graphics are mesmerizing and the way they have implemented the new tech is on a whole nother level.
The world of gaming is about to experience a seismic shift thanks to the advancements in AI and procedural generation tools. Unreal showcased a suite of procedural generation tools that will allow game developers to create large-scale 3D worlds at a faster pace than ever before. This is just the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting new era for game development.
Procedural generation refers to the creation of content through an algorithmic process rather than manually crafting every detail. This can include anything from terrain and landscapes to characters and enemies. By using procedural generation tools, game developers can save time and reduce the cost of creating game assets. Procedural generation can create unique and unpredictable game worlds that keep players engaged for longer periods of time.
Pairing procedural generation tools with AI will take game development to a whole new level. AI can learn from existing game assets and generate new ones based on what it has learned. This will enable game developers to rapidly create content that is not only unique but also tailored to the player’s preferences. For example, AI could generate new enemy types based on the player’s behavior in the game, making each playthrough a truly unique experience.
The implications of these advancements in AI and procedural generation are enormous. The cost of creating AAA games is likely to drop drastically, as game developers will no longer need to manually craft every detail. Additionally, the time needed to create games will be radically reduced, allowing studios to produce more content in less time.
AI is already being used by game studios to create digital assets at a fraction of the cost. For example, AI can generate high-quality textures and 3D models without the need for human input. As AI tools become more prevalent in game development, we can expect to see even more radical changes in what a game studio looks like.
The future of game development is looking very exciting because we are on the brink of a new era in gaming, and it is sure to be a thrilling ride but the game studios of yesteryear are going to be in for a shock in the years to come. Soon we will see individuals and micro studios be able to deliver games and content that would have required an army of people previously. With the skill barrier about to drop, we could see a massive influx of game options that could affect the income of most studios.
It’s both an exciting time to be inside a game studio and also a worrisome time if you need to project income to headcount. To the established game studios around New Zealand, I hope you live long and prosper.
