AI has revolutionized many industries. The gaming industry is no exception. Now you can easily find games created by neural networks or using them on Steam.
Some developers are even deliberately resorting to such ways of making games cheaper, optimizing and automating the creation process.
Still, game development is a complicated business. But some even managed to be quite sarcastic about this sore subject for many.
First of all, this topic is not very fair according to the artists. One area where AI has a profound impact is in the creation of game art.
With the advent of neural network artists, game artists are expressing concerns about how this technology will affect the industry.
It is unlikely that neural networks will ever completely replace manual labor in the industry, but there are precedents, and it has struck fear into artists around the world. And perhaps not unreasonably so.
So let’s break it all down in order, starting with the basics:
A neural network artist is an AI algorithm that has been trained to create artwork based on a given set of inputs.
In The Context Of Game Development
Neural network artists are used to create 2D and 3D assets such as characters, environments, and textures.
The process involves feeding the neural network with data about existing art assets.
The network is then trained to generate new objects similar in style and content to the original ones.
This is usually done by machine learning two or more neural networks. One robot does the work, and the other checks it against the work of humans.
The more patterns and other similarities, the less the supervising robot will reject what the artist neural network does.
Using Neural Networks
Artists in game development can not compete with its speed and efficiency with which they can create high-quality assets.
This technology can generate large amounts of art assets. All in a fraction of the time it would take a team of human artists to create them.
This is particularly useful for game development companies that are under time and budget constraints.
However, some game artists are concerned that neural network artists will ultimately replace human artists.
They worry that as the technology continues to improve, game development companies will opt for the cost savings and efficiency of neural network artists over the creativity and artistic vision of human artists.
Additionally, some artists worry that the resulting art will lack the unique style and character that human artists bring to their work.
Despite these concerns, it is important to note: Neural network artists are not designed to replace human artists, but rather to augment their work.
The technology is still in its early stages with limitations. For example, it is currently not capable of generating art that is as complex or nuanced as human-created art.
Additionally, neural network artists require human supervision and guidance to ensure that the resulting assets meet the desired specifications.
Another important factor to consider is that neural network artists are not capable of creating original art. They can only generate art based on existing art assets.
As a result, they are best suited for tasks such as generating variations on existing assets, creating placeholder art, or assisting with asset creation in areas where human artists are in short supply.
Final Thoughts
One day we will probably see a time when artists will be looking for another vocation and will be considered exceptional hipsters.
We’re not sure when that will happen, but our guess is that it won’t be as soon as everyone thinks.
But not as late, either. In general, this topic is exhaustive and we think that knowing the basics you will understand how it works, and thus dispel some myths and prejudices.
In Conclusion
Neural network artists are an exciting development in game art creation.
While there are valid concerns about the impact they will have on the industry, it is important to remember that they are not designed to replace human artists but rather to augment their work.
Yet, it will be much more effective to use outsourcing game art now.
As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see a blending of the work of human and neural network artists, resulting in even more impressive and immersive game experiences.
After all, it is worth confessing that the most important thing in everything is to make sense, which neural networks have not yet achieved.
Although the topic is interesting, artists, after all, have nothing to worry about.