A recent job listing on Neowiz’s career page has shed light on Round8, the studio celebrated for its acclaimed soulslike title, Lies of P. The company is on the lookout for an “AI Creator” to join its Game Art and Creative team. This new role aims to harness generative AI technology to enhance the efficiency of the art production process while elevating the visual quality of their games. For many, this news may evoke a sense of disappointment.
Embracing Generative AI in Art Production
The job listing indicates that Round8 is keen on integrating generative AI into its artistic workflows, particularly as the studio embarks on the development of a sequel to Lies of P. The ad emphasizes the desire for candidates who can blend artistic creativity with AI productivity to refine Round8 Studio’s art pipeline.
Among the responsibilities outlined in the listing are:
- Creation of character and background concept drafts, along with the expansion of variations using tools like Stable Diffusion and Midjourney.
- Integration of AI tools into existing art workflows to streamline production time and establish an efficient AI art pipeline.
- AI-based texturing and upscaling of AI-generated products to meet the standards required for actual games.
- Staying updated with the latest trends in generative AI and providing guidance to fellow artists.
It is evident that Round8 is contemplating the use of AI-generated artwork, potentially with some refinement, for its upcoming projects. An inquiry has been made to Neowiz for additional insights regarding this role, and updates will follow if a response is received.
Reflecting on my experience with Lies of P, I found the game’s visuals to be nothing short of breathtaking, evoking a Bloodborne-like aesthetic. The city of Krat, with its steampunk elements and haunting circus atmosphere, creates a world that is both unsettling and magnificent. The promotional artwork has consistently captivated me, even as Pinocchio’s design occasionally brings to mind early-Dune era Timothée Chalamet.
However, the thought of potentially replacing such rich character and intricate Victorian essence with AI-generated content is disheartening. The backlash against AI in games like Crimson Desert and Call of Duty raises questions about why companies seem to overlook the immense talent within their art departments. Perhaps I am overly pessimistic or resistant to change, but seeing Round8 embrace AI in this manner feels particularly disconcerting.
