The Future of AI and Games: concerns, opportunities and thinking outside the box
Speaker: Harmut Koenitz, Ph.D., Södertörn University
About the Speaker
Dr. Hartmut Koenitz, a professor at Södertörn University in Sweden, is a prominent figure in the field of Interactive Digital Narrative (IDN), with significant contributions to the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in game design and storytelling.
His research delves into how AI can enhance interactive storytelling, focusing on the creation of narratives that adapt to player choices and behaviors. Koenitz has co-developed the TOG (Technology, Ontology, Game Genre) model, which serves as a framework for innovation-centric design in games and expressive interactive media. This model aids in expanding the creative possibilities for game designers by incorporating AI-driven processes.
In his editorial work, Koenitz emphasizes the importance of representing complexity in interactive narratives, advocating for the use of AI to create more nuanced and multifaceted storytelling experiences. He also addresses the ethical considerations of AI in games, exploring how AI can be used responsibly to enhance player engagement without compromising narrative integrity.
Koenitz's contributions extend to academic discourse, where he has authored and co-authored numerous papers on the intersection of AI and interactive narratives. His work continues to influence the development of AI applications in gaming, pushing the boundaries of how stories are told and experienced in digital environments.
About the Talk
AI has been a reality in games for a while with procedural generation of game worlds, levels, and AI-controlled NPC behavior. At the same time, the current crop of GenAI tools from ChatGPT to Deepseek signals a paradigm shift from bespoke internal solutions to widely available tools. What does this shift mean for games? For game content, individuals making games and the industry as a whole? The talk will investigate concerns, opportunities and position AI as an opportunity for games to unlock new opportunities.