2024 Big Ideas: AI-First Games That Never End with Jonathan Lai | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The big idea for 2024 is the emergence of AI first games that never end, revolutionizing game systems and mechanics.

Key Insights

• 👾 AI-first games have the potential to reinvent the nature of gaming by leveraging AI to create never-ending games and personalized experiences.
• 👾 The focus of AI in gaming is shifting towards building entirely new game environments rather than making existing games incrementally better.
• 👾 Subscription models may become the preferred business model for AI games, where users pay for their individual AI inference costs.
• 👾 The gaming industry has embraced AI for decades, but the latest advancements in large language models present new opportunities for game developers.
• 😮 Popular games like Fortnite and League of Legends have already witnessed the rise of subscription models, indicating a potential shift in the gaming landscape.
• 👾 Incumbent game developers may be less likely to take risks in developing innovative AI-native games due to their reliance on existing intellectual property.
• 👾 AI companions and hyper-personalization already exist in games, and the integration of large language models can enhance these experiences.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: What are the two waves of AI revolution in games?

The first wave focuses on using AI tools and infrastructure to make existing games better and more efficient. The second wave aims to build entirely new AI-native games with unique experiences.

Q: Are there any games already implementing AI in gameplay mechanics?

Yes, some games are utilizing AI for onboarding, practice, and non-player characters (NPCs). Examples include Fortnite, Call of Duty, and League of Legends.

Q: Will AI first games impact the sense of community in gaming?

AI first games have the potential to enhance community-building by offering hyper-personalized experiences. While games can be customized and AI companions can be introduced, human interaction remains valuable for the best gaming experience.

Q: Do established game developers have an advantage in developing AI-native games?

While incumbents can benefit from AI tools and infrastructure, the most innovative AI-native games are likely to be created by startups and new teams with fresh perspectives.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In 2024, the gaming industry will witness the development of AI first games that leverage large language models to create novel game systems and mechanics.

• AI will enable the creation of never-ending games that engage and retain users for extended periods.

• Examples include generative agents creating lifelike companions, advanced NPC utilization, personalized character builders, and real-time generation of game worlds.