Remedy’s upcoming action-adventure game Control Resonant has been created wholly without the use of Generative AI tools.
One of multiple Remedy games in development, alongside continued updates to FBC Firebreak and the upcoming Max Payne remakes, Control Resonant “does not use generative AI content at all,” according to interim CEO Markus Maki.
Confirmed in the studio’s latest earnings briefing, Maki explained that there is “varied interest” in AI technology at Remedy. However, the temporary CEO explained that their games are being created without the technology as it adds more “player value” than titles that are replacing artists with AI.
“I’m a big believer in player value,” Makin said (thanks Game Developer), “do doing things that really add something to the gameplay experience and player experience. I’m also a big believer in the creative people on our team and that they know the best ways to add that value. There is varied interest in different crafts at Remedy into investigating these AI tools.”
Maki did not promise that every Remedy title in the future would be made without using Generative AI technology. The CEO explained that “making far-reaching promises about the future is pretty hard at this point” and that they might use the tools “if there is anything that is really ethically in the right place, and is something that can add player value our teams want to use”.
Right now, there’s a huge pushback against generative AI tools across creative mediums, including written text, voice acting, and artwork. Baldur’s Gate 3 developer Larian Studios recently confirmed a ban on AI following backlash from fans, and even Warhammer company Games Workshop has blocked the use of the tools to protect human workers.
Nevertheless, there are a number of developers who are actively pro-AI. For example, Arc Raiders developer Embark Studios has made frequent use of AI voices. Additionally, Dead Space creator Glen Schofield has expressed a love for the technology.
As a studio that is known for its strong art direction, sound design and writing, Remedy is a studio beloved by gamers and critics specifically for their hand-crafted games. As one of the most beloved studios in the games industry, it would be a shame to see its artistry replaced with machine-gargled slop.
Control Resonant is slated to release sometime later this year. At the time of writing, there is no proposed release date for the studio’s Max Payne remakes.
