Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 director thinks devs will eventually “be able to churn out a game in 5 seconds with a prompt,” but he hopes they’re not any good

Guillaume Broche, the lead developer behind last year’s hugely acclaimed RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, reckons we’ll one day be able to prompt an entire game into existence, but that’s a theoretical future that’s scary for him and many other developers.

Asked about generative AI in the games space during a chat in Konbini’s Video Game Club show, Broche clarified that his studio, Sandfall Interactive, isn’t using the tech for any “creative” work. When it comes to administrative duties and coding, Broche says “it depends,” but generating anything else feels “like it takes away from the joy of creating things.”

Sandfall Interactive found itself in hot water last year when AI-generated textures were found in the final game. The developer swiftly removed the assets in question and explained they were placeholders not intended for release, though the mishap did lead to at least two of its GOTY awards being revoked. It sounds like the studio’s next game won’t be toying around with the tech in the same way.

“I think everyone’s a little scared, though – of the road ahead, of how things might turn out,” Broche continues. “With video games, we’re still somewhat protected because, technically speaking, it’s a different ball game. But I think the day will come when we’ll be able to churn out a game in five seconds with a prompt. Will it be a good game? I hope not. But I think everyone’s asking themselves the same question – and admitting it’s a little scary.”

At least, after the huge success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Broche and his team don’t feel much pressure. “That’s why I’m also glad… because we’re a studio that’s secure. So even if we’re not doing things in the best way possible, we don’t care.”

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is “sort of the successor” to Final Fantasy creator’s overlooked JRPG Lost Odyssey, lead says: “Truly one of the most powerful, emotional experiences of my life”

Kaan freelances for various websites including Rock Paper Shotgun, Eurogamer, and this one, Gamesradar. He particularly enjoys writing about spooky indies, throwback RPGs, and anything that’s vaguely silly. Also has an English Literature and Film Studies degree that he’ll soon forget.