Steam Players Embrace AI Game Dubbed ‘An Insult to Life Itself’ by Miyazaki

If you’re into anime or gaming culture, you might recall that infamous 2016 moment when legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki expressed his disgust during a tech demo. Known for his animated masterpieces like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, Miyazaki was watching a presentation on AI technology designed to create lifelike movements in models. Spoiler alert: the man who meticulously crafts art by hand was not impressed.

Instead of being disheartened by his critique or the wave of memes that followed, the developers behind that technology pressed on. Fast forward nearly a decade, and the tech has evolved into ANLIFE: Motion-Learning Life Evolution, a new game from Attructure Inc. that hit Steam on February 11. This title is a far cry from what Miyazaki witnessed back in 2016. ANLIFE is a charming evolution simulator where players nurture the growth of abstract life forms. Imagine a more relaxed version of Spore, with a focus on unique creature movements.

For those unfamiliar with the context of that memorable moment from the four-part documentary 10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki, here’s a quick recap. At the time, Miyazaki was watching footage of a zombie programmed to move its head. Studio Ghibli producer Nobuo Kawakami explained that the zombie couldn’t feel pain, allowing it to interact with its environment in a jarring manner. It was a grotesque showcase intended for a theoretical horror game. However, Miyazaki’s thoughts drifted to a friend with a disability, making it hard for him to appreciate the AI tech on display.

“Whoever creates this stuff has no idea what pain is whatsoever,” Miyazaki remarked. “I am utterly disgusted. If you really want to make creepy stuff, you can go ahead and do it. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all. I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself.”

Debate has since swirled around his comments, with some arguing that his frustration was more about the application of the tech rather than AI itself. Yet, as we look at the advancements in AI since 2016, including the way Studio Ghibli’s aesthetic has been appropriated to showcase these capabilities, it becomes increasingly challenging to argue that generative AI truly enhances human creativity. Regardless of interpretation, Miyazaki’s reaction remains relevant, with the clip going viral multiple times a year.

While his harsh words about the technology were striking, they also play a role in the attention ANLIFE is garnering today. Many Steam reviews reference that infamous moment, and the past week has seen a flurry of articles linking the game to Miyazaki. Surprisingly, rather than a backlash from fans, ANLIFE is enjoying a positive reception, boasting a “positive” rating on Steam and no negative reviews at the time of writing.

“This is evolution as a sandbox experiment—watching machine-simulated critters figure out how to exist through trial, error, and a lot of falling over,” one review notes. While it describes the gameplay as “primitive” and mentions that the experience lasts only a couple of hours, it still finds the game enjoyable.

“There’s something oddly charming about watching digital life stumble toward survival,” the review continues.

Many players suggest that the game is somewhat simplistic and might be best suited as a casual, second-screen experience. Here, evolution isn’t about survival of the fittest; it’s more of a laid-back inevitability. “My blood pressure has lowered,” another review states.

Back in 2016, the presenters were visibly shaken by Miyazaki’s candid response. The ANLIFE website downplays the incident, merely noting it as a “topic of discussion.” However, it’s evident that Attructure took the feedback to heart. With its vibrant colors and playful art style reminiscent of children’s toys, ANLIFE feels like a heartfelt counter to the zombie incident. The animation technology here aims to celebrate life rather than mimic or trivialize human experience. It conveys a deeply human message: despite the challenges of existence, life finds a way to thrive.

While the memory of zombies may linger, Attructure believes it never reflected the kind of art they aspired to create.

“In truth, I wanted to create life being lived within a simulation,” said ANLIFE creator Masayoshi Nakamura back in 2018.

ANLIFE is available on Steam for $11.99, and the developers are inviting fans to share their creations for an upcoming virtual zoo exhibition.