The Last of Us director rejects Gen AI for creative work, stating, “I don’t think prompting is art.”

Bruce Straley, co-director of The Last of Us, recently shared his thoughts on generative AI, expressing that even if it could create something engaging, he remains uninterested in the technology. His comments come in light of the first trailer for his independent studio’s game, Coven of the Chicken Foot.

Unveiled during The Game Awards 2025, Coven of the Chicken Foot puts players in the shoes of an elderly witch accompanied by a quirky toad chicken companion. Much like Trico from The Last Guardian, this toad chicken doesn’t always follow your commands; instead, it reacts to your actions. Feed it rotten food, and you might just find it leaves a mess behind.

In contrast to generative AI, the toad chicken’s behaviors are carefully crafted by human developers. While some games, like Where Winds Meet, are leveraging generative AI to give NPCs unique personalities, Wildflower Interactive has meticulously designed every aspect of their character’s actions. Straley emphasizes, “This is hard work, and a lot of problem solving, and a lot of creative thinking.”

In a deeper discussion, Straley elaborates on his stance regarding generative AI in gaming and other media. He describes it as “a snake eating its own tail,” noting that it lacks the ability to innovate or think independently, merely consuming and imitating what it has learned. “That’s the best it can do right now,” he adds.

There are notable issues with current generative AI models. For instance, players quickly found ways to bypass the AI’s directives in Where Winds Meet. Despite potential advancements in the technology, Straley remains disinterested. “You might create something compelling,” he acknowledges, “but I’m not interested in the slightest bit in that world… I have zero interest in looking at art that is generated by a computer. I don’t think prompting is art.” He also questions the demand for such technology, stating, “I don’t know who wants it, who’s asking for it, or who’s pushing for it, but I don’t think it’s the way as a human species we need to be evolving.”

Personally, Coven of the Chicken Foot stands out as my most anticipated title from The Game Awards 2025, and I can’t wait to experience the unique charm of the handcrafted toad chicken companion.