Video Game Concept Artists Say GenAI Isn’t Making Things Easier

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Generative AI has been a hot topic for a while now, and companies are split on whether or not to use it. Recently, Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian Studios, caused a stir when he revealed his developers use AI tools for tasks like brainstorming game ideas, creating initial concept art, generating temporary text, and even making PowerPoint presentations. After some backlash, he clarified that Larian is actually hiring more artists, not replacing them. Vincke admitted they use AI for tedious tasks, but the question remains: does using AI, even in the early stages of art creation, actually help the artists who create the final designs?

I’ve been reading that getting a lot of specific requests from fans can actually make things more difficult for video game artists. One artist, Edmond Tran from This Week In Video Games, explained that it often messes with their process and doesn’t really inspire them creatively. It’s interesting to hear that what we think might help can sometimes be a hindrance!

Artist Paul Scott Canavan, who has contributed to games and shows like Destiny 2, The Witcher, and Heroes of the Storm, is noticing a frustrating trend: clients are increasingly presenting rough drafts and asking him to simply refine them into a finished piece. He feels this undermines the creative process and makes his job more difficult. Canavan explains that a skilled illustrator or concept artist should use their expertise to develop a unique vision based on the project brief, not just polish existing work.

Kim Hu, a freelance designer and illustrator who was the lead artist on the game Rollerdrome (and a huge fan of the TV show Taskmaster), believes that starting with AI-generated images can limit creativity. She explains that AI tends to deliver exactly what you request, whereas observing the real world and using references can spark new ideas and unexpected discoveries. These accidental explorations are a key part of her process for developing concepts and building immersive worlds.

A concept artist at a large game company, who wished to stay unnamed, explained that their managers are now asking them to use AI-created images as starting points for their work. This often means they have to figure out where the AI got the different elements in the image – like finding the original sources for hairstyles, clothes, and objects – by searching online and essentially recreating them.

Look, beyond just covering ourselves legally – especially since we’re dealing with a big name IP – I genuinely feel like I need to do this extra work to help out my teammates. It’s a pain when I send a design package to a 3D artist – whether they’re working with us directly or remotely – and they’re stuck trying to figure out what the ‘references’ even are in the images I give them. It just wastes their time! I feel responsible for making things smooth for everyone I collaborate with on these projects, and honestly, it’s just part of doing a good job.

The introduction of AI is causing division within the entertainment industry, as some studio leaders are eager to adopt it. Netflix actively sought an AI expert for its gaming division last autumn, and Microsoft invested a massive $80 billion at the start of the year – even while acknowledging that AI will likely result in job cuts.

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2025-12-19 19:40