TLDR: Ubisoft’s long-awaited title, ‘Beyond Good and Evil 2,’ is reportedly considering the use of generative AI for NPC creation, sparking debate within the gaming community. This comes as the game continues its nearly two-decade-long, troubled development cycle, marked by delays, a lack of updates, and internal challenges, including the passing of its creative director.
The protracted development of Ubisoft’s highly anticipated title, ‘Beyond Good and Evil 2,’ has taken a new turn with recent rumors suggesting the integration of generative artificial intelligence to aid in its production. Industry leaker Nash Weedle indicated that the project might enlist specialists in generative AI, particularly for the creation of non-player characters (NPCs). This potential move has ignited further discussion and controversy within the gaming industry, which is already grappling with the ethical and practical implications of AI in creative processes.
The game’s journey has been notably arduous, spanning nearly two decades since its initial reveal in 2008. Despite a formal announcement at E3 2017, substantive updates or new gameplay footage have been scarce since its last trailer in 2018. The development has faced numerous setbacks, including the tragic passing of creative director Emile Morel in 2023. While Ubisoft maintains that the game is actively being developed at its Montpellier studio, the lack of transparency has fostered widespread skepticism among fans and industry observers. Rumors of a development pause earlier this year and a potential name change, also attributed to Weedle, further underscore concerns about the project’s stability and direction.
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The broader gaming industry is currently engaged in a heated debate over the use of generative AI. Many developers express strong opposition, fearing that the technology could displace human artists and writers. This sentiment has led to initiatives like the ‘No Gen AI Seal,’ a public declaration against the technology, akin to Nintendo’s historic Seal of Quality. Furthermore, platforms such as Steam now mandate that developers disclose any use of generative AI in their titles, highlighting the growing scrutiny around this technology. The rumored incorporation of AI into ‘Beyond Good and Evil 2’ places the project at the forefront of this industry-wide conversation, potentially positioning it to either embrace or challenge established norms. Ubisoft has yet to officially confirm these claims, advising that they be treated as speculation.
