Game Audio and Artificial Intelligence: Where Are We Now?
Reflecting on AI’s Role in Game Audio After Web Summit
AI was the star of the show at the Web Summit in Lisbon. Everywhere you looked—on banners, in talks, and across panels—it was all about artificial intelligence. Promises of revolutionizing humanity were hard to miss.
But when it comes to game audio? It feels like we’re not there yet. As of today, AI in our field is still in its early stages, and here’s why:
1️⃣ Quality Matters
AI tools are fascinating, but they’re not delivering studio-level quality—not yet. The music, sound effects, and voiceovers generated by AI still lack the nuance and emotional depth we craft by hand. Why rely on a tool that can’t reach the bar we’ve already set?
2️⃣ Legal Risks Are Real
The legal landscape of AI-generated content is murky. Using AI tools raises questions about copyright, ownership, and responsibility. Who owns the output? Is it safe to use? Until these issues are resolved, AI feels like a risky bet in professional game audio production.
3️⃣ The Wrong Focus
Many AI tools are focused on generative audio—creating music and SFX from scratch. But that’s not where we need help. What we need are tools that simplify repetitive tasks, like batch processing, organization, or technical audio implementation. These tools could save us time, letting us focus on the creative aspects we love: composing and designing sound.
The Future of AI in Game Audio
Will AI improve? Absolutely. But it’s not just about better algorithms—it’s about solving real-world problems for creators. I’d love to see AI evolve into something that complements our workflows instead of competing with our creativity.
Because at the end of the day, we’re not here to replace human ingenuity. We’re here to create meaningful, emotional experiences through music and sound.
That’s my honest take. What about you? Have you seen AI tools that actually make a difference for game audio? I’m curious to hear your thoughts
Let’s talk over here https://www.linkedin.com/posts/victor-hime_flutumusic-gamedevelopment-gameaudio-activity-7264638610337845249-pjRD?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
