Summary of Key Points
The person in charge of Unity China believes that AI will not replace game engines; instead, it will become a valuable aid to them. While AI can generate game assets such as scenes and characters, it lacks controllability and the ability to integrate these elements systematically. Game engines, on the other hand, act as the “central hubs” that transform these assets into playable games capable of long-term operation. The engine itself also needs to be upgraded with AI capabilities. This will lower the barriers to game development, creating more opportunities for smaller teams. However, the market will place greater emphasis on the gameplay and the ability of games to sustain themselves over time, with quality being the core trend.
Detailed Interpretation
1. Can AI bypass the engine? Zhang Junbo: Impossible; the engine is the central hub of a game
Some in the industry have dreamed of creating games with just one sentence, thinking they wouldn’t need engines like Unity or Unreal. But Zhang Junbo dispelled this idea, pointing out that even writing a couplet requires more than just a single sentence. The reason is simple: AI can only generate isolated assets (such as a 3D building or a character), but a game is a complex system that includes rules for gameplay (e.g., how to defeat enemies and level up), numerical balance (e.g., equipment properties), and interactive logic (e.g., how players interact). These aspects cannot be handled by AI alone. The engine serves as the platform that integrates all these elements, making it more accessible to developers and allowing AI to play a deeper role in the industry.
2. AI and engines are not competitors; they are partners
AI companies (such as Unity’s partner, Yingmou) generate large amounts of game assets (similar to ingredients), while game engines transform these into complete games that are fun and viable for long-term operation. Gu Shenhua, the person in charge of Unity Engine’s AI integration, explained that while virtual spaces created by AI can be viewed, it is the engine that turns them into interactive, playable experiences. Therefore, their relationship is one of collaboration, not substitution.
3. Engines must also evolve with AI: The two major upgrades of Unity Engine 2.0
Unity Engine 2.0 focuses on integrating AI capabilities:
- Underlying changes: The engine’s data format has been modified to be more compatible with AI, allowing for seamless integration without the need for manual conversion by developers.
- **Introduction of the AI tool “Tuanjie Codely”: This tool connects with large models from Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance, enabling developers to directly use AI within the engine to create assets (e.g., design characters or write code) without having to switch to other AI tools. In other words, developers can handle all AI-related tasks within a single software.
4. Future development: Smaller teams have more opportunities, but it still takes a team effort
AI has lowered the barriers to development, allowing smaller teams to tackle projects that previously required dozens of people. However, Zhang Junbo emphasizes that a single person cannot succeed on their own; expertise in programming and art is still necessary, as AI-generated code and assets need to be reviewed and refined. Additionally, the maintenance costs for existing games will decrease, freeing up experienced developers, artists, and planners to form smaller teams and start businesses. The development process will also change: producers will come up with ideas (e.g., creating a space-themed adventure game), while multiple AI tools will handle specific tasks (e.g., generating spaceship models or writing battle code).
5. Lower barriers do not equal higher success rates; quality is key
Although development speed has increased (from three months to three weeks), the market will see an oversupply of games. If most games offer similar features (e.g., open-world environments), users will be more selective and demand higher-quality products. Games that offer unique gameplay, high completion levels, and regular updates will stand out. The advantages of funding and manpower will become less significant; only those with innovative gameplay and continuous content updates will thrive. In the end, the industry will reach a balance where success depends on the quality of the games, not just the amount of resources invested.
In summary, AI’s impact on the gaming industry is not about replacement but about transformation. Engines will become even more crucial, and smaller teams will have opportunities to succeed, but quality will be the defining factor. It’s clear that AI is a tool, and engines are the platforms; ultimately, it is human creativity and operational skills that determine the success of games.