The Last Game Designer. Or when AI could create a game

The debate ignites: artificial creativity or advanced plagiarism?

This controversy is part of a broader debate over the use of AI in the creative industry. Critics argue that AI merely compiles and reshapes existing content, while its defenders point out that all human creation also draws inspiration from previous works.

The film itself addresses this question head on. In a key scene, Jack accuses his digital partner of being nothing more than a “remixer.” The AI’s response is telling: “That may be true, but even human creativity is not born in a vacuum. You too are inspired by the films you have seen, the books you have read, the experiences you have had. »

Reactions in the industry are mixed. Some, like screenwriter Charlie Brooker, creator of “Black Mirror,” have experimented with using ChatGPT for screenwriting, with mixed results. Others, particularly in dubbing and subtitling, fear an “imminent decimation” of their sector.

Ethical and legal implications

The growing use of AI in artistic creation raises many ethical and legal questions. How to manage copyright when an AI is inspired by existing works? How can we preserve the diversity of creative voices in the face of potential standardization of AI-generated content?

These questions call for in-depth reflection and the establishment of appropriate regulatory frameworks. Professional associations, like the Writers Guild of America (WGA), have a crucial role to play in developing guidelines for the ethical use of AI in artistic creation.

AI invites itself to the gaming table

If cinema is booming in the face of AI, the world of board games is not left out. Artificial intelligence could revolutionize creation, development and even the gaming experience.

In the creation phase, AI could automatically generate rules, create rich universes and captivating scenarios, or even help balance game mechanics. For example, an author could ask an AI to create a strategy game based on specific concepts, such as resource management or tactical combat. Because after all, board games are always inspired by other games! Pure creativity does not exist. Take any Bruno Cathala game, you will spot this or that game, this or that inspiration. To create is to remix.

However, with the emergence of public AI since November 2022, and its ability to draw from a massive database, could authors use it to create a new game? If I ask ChatGPT or colleagues to create a game for 3 to 6 players lasting 20 minutes and from 8 years old, inspired by the rules of Awalé, Trio and Sky Team, what would that result?

Out of pure curiosity, I ran the query in ChatGPT, and it gave me this. In 7 seconds:

Board game (created by AI): “Pirates of the Archipelagos”

Context

In “Pirates of the Archipelagos”, each player plays a pirate captain who must collect treasures scattered on different islands of the archipelago. The goal is to accumulate as much treasure as possible in 20 minutes, using mechanics inspired by Awalé, Trio and Sky Team.

Contents of the box

• 1 board representing an archipelago with 12 islands.
• 72 treasure tokens (12 of each color: red, blue, green, yellow, purple, and black).
• 6 wooden boats (1 of each color).
• 1 special die with faces: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and a “hurricane” symbol.
• 12 special Action cards (2 of each type: Favorable Winds, Storm, Double Loot, Treasure Exchange, Piracy, and Cannon Shot).

Set up

1. Each player chooses a boat and receives 12 treasure tokens of the same color.
2. Players place their boats on a starting island of their choice.
3. The remaining treasure tokens are randomly distributed across the islands (6 treasures per island).
4. Shuffle and deal a Special Action card to each player.

Rules of the game

1. Course of the rounds: Each turn, players roll the die to determine how many islands their boat can advance to (from 1 to 5). If the die displays the “hurricane” symbol, the player must move back one island.
2. Collecting treasures: When a ship arrives on an island, the player can take up to two treasures from the island. Collected treasures are added to the player’s personal stash.
3. Harvest and sowing (inspiration from awalé): If a player collects treasures from an island, they must then redistribute these treasures to the next islands in clockwise order, one per island.
4. Action Cards: Action cards can be played at any time during the turn to influence the game. Each card has a unique effect:

• Favorable winds: Move forward 2 more islands.
• Storm : All players on an island of your choice must move back one island.
• Double loot: Take four treasures instead of two during your collection.
• Treasure Exchange: Exchange two of your treasures with another player.
• Piracy: Steal treasure from another player when you arrive on the same island.
• Blow of a cannon : Move a player of your choice to an adjacent island.

1. Game over : The game ends after 20 minutes or when all treasures have been collected. The player with the most treasures wins the game.

Strategy

• Plan your moves to optimize treasure collection.
• Use your Action cards wisely to destabilize your opponents.
• Consider redistributing treasure strategically to limit other players’ opportunities.

Variants

• Quick version: Limit the game to 10 minutes for a shorter game.
• Collaborative mode: Players can form alliances to exchange treasure and Action cards.

“Pirates of the Archipelagos” combines the strategy of Awalé, the collection dynamics of Trio, and the tactical interactions of Sky Team to create a fun and engaging experience for young people and adults.

It’s amazing, isn’t it?

So yes, it would still be necessary:

• Create the “hard” prototype
• Test it, lots and lots

But is the game good?

A few weeks ago, we asked board game publishers about their use of AI. Sensitive subject, NONE wanted to answer our questions. Only Jamey Stegmaier from his publishing house Stonemaier Games (Scythe, Wingspan) came out of the woods making a clear, strong decision.