Microsoft Gaming Head Vows No Tolerance for Subpar AI
New Microsoft gaming chief Asha Sharma promises high standards for AI technology, saying 'great stories are created by humans' and the company won't accept 'soulless AI slop'.
Microsoft's recent surprise departure of Phil Spencer from the company's gaming division has led to the promotion of Asha Sharma, who previously served as president of Microsoft's CoreAI Product group. Despite her AI background, Sharma has made it clear that she has "no tolerance for bad AI" in game development.
In a new interview with Variety, Sharma acknowledged that "AI has long been part of gaming and will continue to be", but she firmly stated that "great stories are created by humans." This sentiment was echoed in an introductory memo where Sharma promised that "We will not chase short-term efficiency or flood our ecosystem with soulless AI slop. Games are and always will be art, crafted by humans, and created with the most innovative technology provided by us."
Sharma's strong stance against the use of subpar AI in Microsoft's first-party game development is a clear message that the company is committed to maintaining high standards for its gaming products. While AI technology will undoubtedly continue to play a role in the industry, Sharma's comments suggest that Microsoft will prioritize human creativity and craftsmanship over purely efficiency-driven AI solutions.
This approach aligns with the broader trend in the gaming world, where players and developers alike are increasingly wary of the overuse of AI, particularly in areas like procedural content generation, dialogue systems, and non-player character behaviors. Many in the industry believe that the human touch is essential for creating truly immersive, emotionally resonant gaming experiences.
Sharma's leadership is likely to have a significant impact on the direction of Microsoft's gaming efforts, as she works to ensure that the company's products maintain a delicate balance between innovative technology and the human artistry that has always been at the heart of great games. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Microsoft's stance on AI in game development will be an important factor to watch in the coming years.
Source: Ars Technica
