Death Stranding and Metal Gear Solid creator Hideo Kojima has shared his verdict on the growing use of AI in game development – and unlike many who fear it, the legendary producer says he sees a future where he works alongside artificial intelligence.
AI continues to divide the gaming industry, with some studios embracing it to generate art or assist with coding, while others warn it risks replacing human creativity altogether. Kojima, one of gaming’s most forward-thinking creators, is the latest to weigh in.
He’s known for his cinematic storytelling, which is why there’s much anticipation for the upcoming live-action Death Stranding movie. But Kojima’s also explored technology and the importance of human agency in the digital age, making him an ideal candidate to comment on the topic.
So, while developers and players alike debate the ethical and creative impact of AI tools from companies like OpenAI and Google, Wired Japan took the opportunity to ask Kojima what he thinks, and his answer may surprise you.
Death Stranding creator Hideo Kojima says AI is like a “friend”
Rather than outright slamming AI’s use in gaming, the Death Stranding creator believes that humans should be in charge of the creative elements of development, while AI can assist with the more “tedious tasks” to bring down costs and time.
“A lot of people use AI in creative work to come up with ideas. But I think of AI as more of a friend,” Kojima told Wired Japan.
“Since I’ve been in the digital industry, I would lead the creative part, and use AI to boost efficiency. I’d like AI to handle the tedious tasks. That would lower cost and cut down on time.”
“It’s more like co-creating with AI instead of just using it,” he added. “I see a future where I stay one step ahead, creating together with AI.”
Kojima is hardly the first developer to express similar thoughts about AI. Earlier this year, Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino said, “around 80 to 90 percent of code is written by AI and then fixed up and finalized by human programmers” right now.
But he also highlighted the importance of human creativity, stating, “Whether it is made by AI or humans, you need the ability to choose the best ones from a director’s perspective and incorporate them into your work…
“Future creators will need the ability to use tools such as AI as their own hands and feet and to improve their work with an aesthetic sense.”
On the other side of the debate, Nier Automata director Yoko Taro believes AI will lead to mass unemployment within the game development industry.
Fans are equally divided, with one writing in response to Kojima’s comments, “I really dislike when artists come out and say ‘I want to use it as a tool and to cut out tedious tasks’. It’s so vague and feels like they’re intentionally burying the lead to avoid scrutiny.
“Like what kind of AI, how will you use it, what kind of tedious tasks are you talking about? This stuff matters because art is not only a craft but a job that people live off of, so some tedious stuff may be a task that has been made into a science by really talented people.
“I love Kojima, I don’t think he likes gen AI or AI art, but this kind of dialogue needs to be way more specific before I can get behind what he’s saying.”
However, another said, “I don’t believe Kojima is trying to cut corners or the human aspect from his work. It’s clear he works hard with his team to deliver an incredible experience.
“He’s speaking on using AI the way we should. As a tool that helps create a more efficient workflow. Not using AI to just generate everything and do all the work.”
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