Troy Baker from The Last of Us emphasizes the importance of embracing generative AI, suggesting it can lead to more authentic gaming experiences rather than the diluted content often seen today.

Troy Baker, known for his roles in The Last of Us and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, isn’t concerned about generative AI flooding the market with “content.” Instead, he believes that this influx will only highlight the value of true artistry.

In a discussion about the implications of AI on video games and the artists involved, Baker stated that while AI can produce content, it lacks the ability to create genuine art, which is inherently tied to the human experience. He feels there’s no reason to panic about AI taking over artistic roles.

Baker remarked, “People say, ‘Look what AI can do.’ Sure, I see its capabilities, but it doesn’t change anything for me.” He emphasizes that rather than dismissing or vilifying AI, we should acknowledge its presence while still making conscious choices as creators.

He pointed out that the real concern lies in the overwhelming amount of content being generated. “AI can produce content far more efficiently than humans,” he noted.

As AI continues to evolve, Baker anticipates that this saturation will push audiences toward more authentic experiences—stories crafted with intention and care. He believes people will seek out genuine interactions rather than the diluted offerings that AI might provide. “It’s a revolution, absolutely,” he concluded.

Baker stands out as a prominent voice in the gaming industry, offering an optimistic perspective on generative AI amidst a polarized debate—where some reject it outright while others embrace it wholeheartedly.

Generally, artists and creators tend to express more caution or skepticism about AI, while executives often champion its potential benefits. There are certainly exceptions, but the conversation around AI is intensifying as it increasingly influences both current and future games, along with the creators behind them. Players, for their part, often react negatively to the introduction of generative AI in their favorite titles, likening it to discovering an unwelcome surprise in their meal.

Bruce Straley, co-director of The Last of Us and now leading a new studio working on Coven of the Chicken Foot, stated in December that he won’t be utilizing generative AI, even if it becomes more convincing, because he believes “prompting is not art.”

“I don’t know who’s advocating for it, but I don’t think this is the direction we should be heading as a species,” Straley remarked.

For the creators of Baby Steps, one of the most anticipated and unique games of 2025, there’s no reason to relinquish their creative vision to AI: “The player is in communion with a human designer.”