AI technology is changing our world in ways we never expected. One surprising impact is on gaming. Frost Giant Studios, created by former Blizzard developers, announced that their upcoming game, Stormgate, will lose online multiplayer support next month. This comes after the studio’s server partner, Hathora, was acquired by an AI company and will shut down services.
In a recent message on Discord, Frost Giant explained that this move will lead to a planned outage for Stormgate’s multiplayer modes. While the game will still be playable offline, the online features may only return if Frost Giant can secure a new server partner.
This news has disappointed many in the Stormgate community. After an ambitious $2.4 million Kickstarter campaign, the game’s early access didn’t meet expectations. Current Steam reviews are largely negative, and the number of players has struggled to reach 100 at peak times this year.
Interestingly, Frost Giant stated that they used some AI tools during development, but insisted that artists created final assets. This raises questions about the balance of technology and human creativity in game development.
Hathora’s focus on AI comes during a turbulent time for live-service games, which were once viewed as lucrative opportunities but are now facing scrutiny. Other games that used Hathora’s infrastructure, like Splitgate 2 and Predecessor, have had mixed success.
The shift of companies like Hathora towards AI is indicative of broader trends in tech. In 2023, about 60% of businesses plan to incorporate AI into their operations, as per a recent survey by McKinsey. This enthusiasm may overlook potential pitfalls. As many once-dependent gaming companies pivot, the future remains uncertain.
Overall, while AI promises innovation, it might also lead to unforeseen challenges. The gaming community is watching closely as this situation unfolds.
