Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Lead Says AI Could Destroy Us, But It’s Worth It If He Can Make Games Faster

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The discussion around using artificial intelligence in video games has really heated up recently. It started when Swen Vincke, head of Larian Studios, announced they’ll be using AI to create early concept art and temporary assets. This sparked a lot of debate, with both players and developers sharing their thoughts – and even bringing up the Game of the Year award for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in the conversation.

Late last night, Daniel Varva, the head of Warhorse Studios, shared his thoughts in a lengthy tweet. While other developers have been cautious, stating AI was simply used during game creation, Varva expressed willingness to fully embrace it if it could speed up development. However, his statement is problematic because he seems unsure whether to acknowledge AI’s limitations or advocate for its widespread adoption.

KCD2 Boss Weighs In On Video Game AI Debate

Varva recently shared a lengthy tweet discussing the risks and ethical issues of using AI in game development. While acknowledging these concerns, he also expressed enthusiasm for AI if it allows him to create games more quickly. He’s made similar points before, previously hoping AI wouldn’t lead to job losses for developers. This time, however, he seems to accept that programmers might be replaced, comparing the situation to how the invention of the automobile impacted horse breeders.

Look, I’m not thrilled about AI art, but we have to admit it’s not going anywhere. It’s a little scary, but that’s just how it is. Honestly, it’s even harder to tell when AI is used in music. What really gets to me as a game developer, though? The insane amount of time and money it takes to make a game – seven years, 300 people, and millions of dollars! And don’t even get me started on poor Tom having to spend 500 hours recording the most bland, cookie-cutter heckles and rap verses you can imagine.

Given how well Tom McKay and Luke Dale acted in the game, I disagree with that opinion. I think they should record all of their own lines and be compensated for their work, and I believe they’d be happy to do so.

Varva believes AI will allow him to develop his ideas more quickly and affordably. He suggested using AI chatbots for characters in games, similar to what’s been done in Where Winds Meet. However, he also jokingly cautioned that AI could potentially pose a threat, referencing the dystopian scenario from the Terminator films with the line, “Or Skynet will destroy us before all that.”

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2025-12-18 11:04