Square Enix's New Game Developed With AI... In Case of 0.01% of Content
Square Enix has used artificial intelligence to create the third-person shooter Foamstars. However, the extent wasn't significant.
We will soon see the effects of being "aggressive in applying AI" in game production, recently announced by Square Enix president, Takashi Kiryu. The first official Japanese game to be created with the aid of artificial intelligence is the upcoming third-person shooter Foamstars.
In an interview with VGC, the producer, Kosuke Okatani, revealed that the game will feature graphics (specifically, music album covers) generated by Midjourney â?? a popular tool that transforms written prompts into images.
However, the developer added that the contribution of artificial intelligence to the production of Foamstars can only be estimated at about 0.01%. All other elements were made by humans.
All of the core elements in Foamstars â?? the core gameplay, and the things that make the game enjoyable â?? those are all made by hand. However, we did want to experiment with AI as well.
In terms of the content in the game, this makes up about 0.01% or even less, but we have dabbled in it by creating these icons in the game.
In a later statement submitted to VGC, Square Enix explained:
In this instance, we experimented with Midjourney using simple prompts to produce abstract images. We loved what was created and used them as the final album covers players will see in the game. Everything else was created entirely by our development team.
Not much, but...
Even though 0.01% of AI contribution to the creation of the game seems insignificant, for some, the awareness of any artificial intelligence interference in the creation process is a red flag. The idea of ditching human artists for AI-generated graphics is stirring up quite a fuss. The effects of such actions were witnessed by, among others, the creators of System Shock Remake, Prime Matter studio, who recently published an image online promoting the game created by Midjourney. Microsoft also incurred the ire of gamers for a similar "offence."
Will Square Enix and their Foamstars also face backlash? We will find out about this in the near future.
Foamstars â?? a handful of information
The shooter, which is reminiscent of the Splatoon series, will debut on February 6 and will be available only on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The game will also be available on PS Plus in the traditional, monthly offer. It will release in traditional distribution on March 5th at a price of approximately $25.
Foamstars will feature three multiplayer game modes (as well as a mission mode for solo players or in co-op with three other people):
- Smash The Star â?? after eliminating seven opponents, the best player of the opposing team will be selected as the "Star Player." To achieve victory, you must eliminate them.
- Happy Bath Survival â?? a mode in which two players are in the arena and two are outside it. The duo who first eliminates both opponents wins. Players outside the arena can support their allies and interfere with the opposing team. There are a maximum of three rounds to be played.
- Rubber Duck Party â?? the teams' task is to reach the very center of the arena and fight for the rubber duck.
