Generative AI Takes Center Stage in Game Development
In a landscape where generative AI seems to permeate every corner of game development, a recent Google survey revealed that an impressive 87% of game developers are integrating this technology into their workflows. However, one project stands out for its audacious claim: Codex Mortis, a game reminiscent of Vampire Survivors, has been dubbed “the world’s first fully playable game created 100% through AI” by its developer, known as Crunchfest3.
The developer shared insights into the creation process on the AI game dev subreddit, revealing a bold approach that eschewed traditional game engines. Instead, the entire project was assembled using AI tools within a mere three-month timeframe. While the process may not have been as simple as merely inputting a game idea into a text field, the results are intriguing.
Codex Mortis adopts a provocative stance, showcased in its AI-generated cinematic trailer featuring a robed sorcerer vanquishing a demon labeled “AI antis.” The game itself embodies the essence of a bullet heaven genre, echoing the style of Vampire Survivors, yet it possesses a muddy and indistinct art style that sets it apart from its inspirations. Despite its unconventional aesthetics, it undeniably qualifies as a video game, complete with many familiar genre elements, marking a potential milestone for generative AI as a coding tool.
However, the claim of being a “world’s first” is not without contention. Hobby coder David Friedman previously developed Doomscroll, a browser game generated using ChatGPT, suggesting that there are other projects exploring similar avenues of generative AI in game development. While Codex Mortis may be unique in its release on Steam as a potentially paid product, the distinction of being “vibe-coded” raises questions about the merit of such a label.