Message:I recall in 2007 that Blizzard had as part of the entrance test for artists the practical that the applicant would draw a Warcraft Orc. Many would try; few were hired. No need for anyone to do so any longer.
I read and digest from NYT article.
Generative A.I. is already changing how World of Warcraft, Diablo and Overwatch are made. Blizzard Entertainment has trained an image generator on internal assets.
Now by feeding assets like the combative orcs of World of Warcraft, the macabre dungeons of Diablo and the vivacious heroes of Overwatch into the machine, Blizzard can effortlessly produce concept art for new ideas. The process creates art faster than any human can to cut design and development expenses.
Blizzard’s chief design officer, Allen Adham, told employees, “Prepare to be amazed. We are using a major evolution in how we build and manage our games.”
Andrew Guerrero, Blizzard’s vice president of global insights, said that AI helps fit cosmetic headpieces to player models in World of Warcraft. We want our artists to spend more time on creativity.”
Michael Vance, its chief technology officer, warned “These new tools come with new and unknown risks, and we will proceed carefully to avoid pitfalls.” This to EU about blocking merger with Microsoft.
Valentine Powell, a former World of Warcraft engineer who left Blizzard last August. “It feels like the company ignores the problems and focuses on hype-words that the company thinks will sound impressive to shareholders.”
Yours,
IronRed
24-May-2023