Dan Houser, co-founder of Rockstar Games, recently shared his thoughts on AI during an interview on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch. While he’s exploring AI for his new ventures, he believes its potential is often overstated.
In the conversation, Houser expressed concern that the gaming industry could either innovate or become overly profit-driven. He stated, “There’s always the risk that commercial art gets sidetracked by money.” He noted how tech companies often start with lofty goals but can quickly become focused on wealth and power. “They’re some of the richest and most influential people in history,” he said. “But in that pursuit, the original vision can get lost.”
Discussing his current project at Absurd Ventures, Houser acknowledged the presence of AI characters in the story. However, he admitted, “AI isn’t as useful as some companies claim. It excels in certain areas but falls short in many others.” He emphasized that many companies over-promise on AI capabilities, leading to a gap between expectations and the reality of what technology can deliver.
A recent survey by Pew Research found that 48% of Americans believe AI will pose significant challenges in the next decade, reflecting a growing skepticism around its hype. This aligns with Houser’s views on the potential risks of over-relying on AI.
Absurd Ventures is focused on creating bold narratives and diverse intellectual properties across various media, including video games and live-action projects. However, Houser noted that their video game developments will take a few more years.
Interestingly, this conversation comes in the wake of other industry examples, like Ubisoft’s recent admission that an AI-generated image slipped through its quality checks in their latest game, Anno 117: Pax Romana. This raises questions about the reliability and integration of AI in game development.
As the conversation around AI continues to evolve, Houser’s insights remind us to balance ambition with caution, especially in the creative industries. For further reading on AI’s potential impact, you can explore Pew Research’s [latest survey on technology](https://www.pewresearch.org).
