Netease Debunks Suda 51's Claims of AI Ban
Netease has issued a strong rebuttal to Suda 51's recent statements regarding the company's stance on generative AI. In an interview with Eurogamer, Suda 51 claimed that Netease had halted AI research and development, even going so far as to instruct studios not to use AI in their games. However, Netease's response is clear and unwavering.
A Netease spokesperson refutes these claims, stating that the company continues to actively explore and utilize generative AI technology. They emphasize that Netease Games has not closed any AI departments and has not mandated studios to refrain from using AI. This contradicts Suda 51's assertion, which suggests a potential misunderstanding or misinterpretation of Netease's policies.
Suda 51's comments come from an interview about Grasshopper Manufacture's upcoming game, Romeo is a Dead Man. He mentioned that Netease had initially dedicated a section to AI research and development but later decided to discontinue it. The reason behind this decision remains unclear, as Suda 51 admits, "I don't know, they never explained directly why."
Despite this, Suda 51 expresses a nuanced view on AI in gaming. He believes that while AI can create impressive results, there's an inherent human intuition that something is amiss when it comes to AI-generated content. This intuition, he suggests, is what makes Grasshopper games unique and appealing to players.
Netease's stance on generative AI is one of continued exploration and development, as evidenced by their upcoming GDC talk. The company's commitment to innovation and transparency is evident, as they address any misconceptions head-on. This response highlights the importance of accurate information in the gaming industry, especially when it comes to cutting-edge technologies like AI.
