TLDR: Rich Lambert, Studio Game Director for Elder Scrolls Online, has stated that ZeniMax Online Studios is not extensively utilizing generative AI in its development processes. This comes as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella advocates for a company-wide transformation towards generative AI. ZOS is also transitioning to a ‘bite-sized’ content update model to deliver faster content following recent layoffs and the departure of former studio head Matt Firor.
ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS), the developer behind the popular MMORPG Elder Scrolls Online (ESO), is currently making minimal use of generative artificial intelligence in its game development, according to Studio Game Director Rich Lambert. This revelation comes amidst a broader strategic push by Microsoft, ZOS’s parent company, to integrate generative AI across its operations.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has publicly articulated a vision for the company to evolve into a generative AI-focused business. In a memo addressing recent mass layoffs, Nadella emphasized the need for a ‘difficult process of ‘unlearning’ and ‘learning’ to meet changing customer needs and foster ‘new categories with new business models and a new production function.’ This directive suggests a significant shift in Microsoft’s operational philosophy.
However, ZeniMax Online Studios appears to be taking a more cautious approach to AI adoption in its creative pipeline. Lambert’s comments indicate that generative AI is ‘not a whole lot’ in use at the studio. This stance is particularly noteworthy given the recent turbulent period for ZOS, which saw significant layoffs and the cancellation of an unannounced MMO project codenamed ‘Blackbird.’ The studio also experienced a leadership change with the departure of long-serving studio head Matt Firor.
In response to these challenges and the evolving industry landscape, ZOS is adapting its content delivery strategy for Elder Scrolls Online. Studio Game Director Rich Lambert and Game Director Nick Giacomini have outlined plans to move away from the traditional ‘chapters-based format’ of large annual expansions. Instead, the studio will adopt a ‘speedier, ‘bite-sized’ updates approach,’ aligning with contemporary seasonal content models.
The goal is to deliver smaller content additions more frequently, aiming for a turnaround of six to nine months per update, as opposed to the approximately 18 months required for a major chapter. Lambert explained, ‘We’re kind of too predictable, and we want to shake that up and be a little bit more reactive’ to player feedback and desires.
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Despite the ambition for faster content, Lambert acknowledged the inherent complexities of game development. He noted that reducing development times significantly is not a simple task, as various aspects of game creation are time-intensive. ‘It takes a long time to build art, because you’ve got to model it out and you’ve got to rig it and skin it, all these things,’ Lambert stated. He further added, ‘It takes time to code things out. It takes time when we’re building stories: you’re writing words on a paper and then you put that in-engine, and then you have to send it out to be voiceovered and localized.’ These comments underscore the human-centric and labor-intensive nature of game development, even as technological advancements like AI emerge.
