In a passionate speech at Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show, Glen Schofield, creator of Dead Space, expressed his concerns about the current state of the gaming industry.
Schofield stated, “We need to fix the gaming industry right now. It’s broken.” He highlighted the struggles developers have faced, calling for a shift back to the industry’s roots, focusing on positivity instead of negativity.
One of his main proposals is the widespread adoption of generative AI in game development. “AI isn’t here to replace us,” he said. “It’s here to make us faster and better.” He urged industry leaders to train their teams in AI technology, emphasizing that it can benefit everyone from writers to marketing execs.
Investors also play a critical role in revitalizing the industry. Schofield encouraged them to invest more in game development. “You can’t create a AAA game for just eight million dollars,” he said. “We need to put money back into the industry to see real returns.”
He called for a different approach to leadership within studios, advocating for appointing creative visionaries to lead teams. “You need big, creative people at the helm,” he argued. “That’s how quality games get made.”
Oddly enough, Schofield expressed a desire to see the return of E3, the long-standing gaming expo. He reminisced about how E3 fostered collaboration and innovation in the industry, saying, “Every game got better when you went there.” He believes the fragmentation of the industry started when companies began to drift away from e3.
At the heart of Schofield’s message was the importance of people in game development. “Ideas are the lifeblood of the industry,” he reminded the developers in attendance. “And those ideas? They come from you.”
As the gaming landscape evolves, many users on platforms like Twitter and Reddit have reacted to these ideas, sharing their thoughts on the potential of AI in gaming and the importance of creative leadership. A recent survey revealed that 68% of gamers believe more investment in game development would lead to better quality games.
In conclusion, Schofield’s vision for the industry emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and a renewed focus on quality—an approach that may just be what the gaming world needs right now.
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