In response to the Divinity debate, The Last of Us co-creator reaffirms his stance against AI, pledging to steer clear of it in his upcoming game.

The Last of Us game director and co-creator Bruce Straley has firmly reiterated his stance on generative AI, emphasizing the broad ethical implications of the technology. As he gears up for his next project, the whimsically titled Coven of the Chicken Foot, he plans to steer clear of AI for as long as possible.

In a recent discussion about the controversy surrounding Larian’s use of AI during the early stages of Divinity, Straley referenced the classic “Jurassic Park” dilemma. He pointed out that while scientists were busy figuring out if they could create something, they failed to consider whether they should.

“We don’t need AI,” Straley asserted. “I genuinely believe it’s detrimental to humanity. Our brains are incredibly complex, developed over hundreds of thousands of years, and yet they’re trying to replicate that with massive resources. It just doesn’t add up.” While many in the industry are drawn to the convenience and potential quality improvements offered by generative AI, it’s refreshing to hear a developer highlight the inherent risks.

Straley also emphasized that the journey of creating a game—or any art form—shapes the final product. “Watching people face challenges and triumph over them is what being part of a team and community is all about. That’s what inspires me,” he said. “AI doesn’t inspire me. I wouldn’t want to watch a movie that was simply generated by prompts. How can it convey personal experiences, fantasies, or traumas? I don’t think AI can capture the essence of the human experience.”

On social media, Straley acknowledged that the issue is larger than himself and that generative AI is likely here to stay, given the lack of regulation and significant financial backing. “But I’ve made my choice. I don’t use generative AI or any large language models in my work. There may come a time when I can’t say that anymore, but for now, that’s my stance.” Regarding his new studio, Wildflower Entertainment, he doesn’t impose a strict policy, but he’s “99.9% sure no one on the team is using it.”

The former director of The Last of Us is excited to be working on his own unique game, rather than something that will require a remaster in just a few years due to rapidly advancing technology.