Why No AI Games?
franklantz.substack.com
March 3, 2026
7 min read
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46/100
Summary
AI has significantly impacted game development, yet there have been no major new AI-based gaming experiences since 2021. The expectation for radical new forms of gameplay driven by AI has not materialized in the gaming industry.
Key Takeaways
- Despite the rise of AI technology, there have been no significant new AI-based game experiences since 2021.
- AI Dungeon, launched in 2019, is one of the few notable AI-centric games, but its popularity has declined since peaking in 2021.
- Other AI games like "Death by AI" and "Suck Up!" have emerged, but they do not offer groundbreaking gameplay or experiences.
- There is a surprising lack of innovative AI applications in games, with few examples where AI serves as a central gameplay element.
Community Sentiment
Positives
- AI has the potential to reinvent text-based games, allowing for a more interactive and personalized experience that could enhance player engagement.
- The use of AI in games, such as procedural systems like the nemesis system, showcases how AI can create complex and dynamic interactions that enrich gameplay.
Concerns
- Current AI performance limitations, particularly in voice synthesis and text generation speed, hinder the feasibility of integrating LLMs into mainstream games.
- The hype around VR may be short-lived due to its inability to effectively engage players' physical senses compared to traditional gaming experiences.
