"We May Be Seeing the Final Waves of Human-Built Games" — Arnie Jorgensen Discusses AI’s Impact on Creativity.

Arnie Jorgensen's career has shaped some of gaming's most memorable worlds, from his early work as Senior Concept Artist on Star Wars Galaxies and Lead Concept Artist for The Old Republic to co-founding Stoic Studio and creating the acclaimed Banner Saga series.

In this exclusive interview, Jorgensen reflects on his inspirations, his thoughts on the future of game art, and the rise of AI in creative industries. He doesn't hold back, stating, 'We may be seeing the final waves of human-built games.' Discover his insights into how technology is reshaping creativity and what it means for the future of game development.

1. What or who has inspired your art or had a massive impact on your creative style?

"From an early age, I've been into comic books and fantasy paintings. I went to the Joe Kubert School of Cartooning and Animation, which specialized in comic book art after high school for this reason. So, artists like Mike Mignola, Frank Frazetta, Bernie Wrightson, and Jeff Jones were some of my main inspirations. I've always been into trying out new styles, though... so I don't really have any personal specific style I'm known for, I guess? I find it refreshing and an engaging challenge to achieve different looks; it keeps art from getting 'boring'."

The Banner Saga Sketch by Arnie Jorgensen:

2. How do you perceive the abundance of AI-generated images where video games are concerned, should traditionally trained artists and designers be worried about the future of game design? 

"Wow, what a topical question... I was just talking with friends about it last night. AI-generated images are already amazing and only going to get better. Recently, I was gathering reference on Pinterest for some pieces I was 'actually drawing myself,' and it was crazy that about 7-8 images out of 10 on my screen were AI-generated. There is going to be less and less work for 2D artists... Initially, we will be needed because AI can't yet get exactly what an Art Director may be looking for, so the artist will be needed to touch up the AI, but eventually, the AI will just get it based on simple prompts. But let's not stop there; eventually, the art director won't be needed, and soon the team of 3D artists, designers, engineers, producers, and the entire video game company won't be needed either... Games will be sold by outlets like Amazon and MAX but fully created by non-human entities. AI will be generating entire games that are specifically designed for individuals, just like Spotify uses AI to assemble playlists for you. The games will not be 'built' ahead of time but streamed live, with NPCs that have backstories and motivations, all generated on the fly. You think this is fantasy? Sorry. Sure, artists are in trouble, but the entire industry is. How many years away is this? Less than we can guess; it's improving that fast. We may be seeing the final waves now of human-built games. I do not believe at this time we can put the lid back on Pandora's Box; it's like looking at a train coming down the track. The reasons for this are legion, and it would suck up an entire interview. If it sounds like I'm bummed out about this, I am not. It'd be like getting upset because you woke up to a rainy day; there's simply nothing for it, and life goes on."

The Banner Saga Screenshots:

3. What's been your favorite game project to work on where art creation is concerned, one that gave you huge satisfaction as a creative? 

"Banner Saga 1 was by far and away the most creatively satisfying. I did whatever I wanted to do as I was the only artist working on the game, and the other two owners of my studio just supported me. I'd do a portrait for the game and then put it in and move on to the next one. There were no meetings or people giving feedback... it was fantastically free."

4. What advice would you give someone looking to forge a career in video game art or working as a creative in the video game industry, especially given that the creative industry has taken a real beating recently? 

"I've never seen a downturn in the industry for this long; it's pretty amazing. Games can and do still make tons of money, but it's a global economic issue we're caught in. I believe it will come back, maybe this year. Right now, it's a hard thing to tell young people to get excited for a future working in the video games industry... Games aren't going anywhere; people will play them for years and years to come, but will humans be making them? My son's grown up playing games and watching me design them, he LOVES everything about them and is a creative dude—and he's becoming an electrician. AI will not take over humans doing physical electrical work."

5. What resources do you use day to day? Are there any essential ones that really help you creatively when you need them? 

"Can you believe I haven't drawn one jot or tittle in 4 years until about two months ago when I got back into it? I was worried I'd somehow lost any ability to do something I consider 'cool,' but it's like riding a bicycle, and I found that I'd lose hours and forget to eat because I was so in the flow... Man, did I miss that feeling. Oh yeah, the question... yes, I usually cruise sites like Pinterest or look at art books and stuff just to gather ideas in my head, then I close the reference and start sketching. By the time I'm done, it's evolved to be something I couldn't have imagined at the start, What a blast."

Maybe you own a copy of The Banner Saga; if not, its available on Steam:

Conclusion:

Arnie reminds us that staying adaptable, learning continually, and loving the process are key to thriving in this industry. The tech will change, but our drive to create—that stays the same.

Thanks, Arnie, for reminding us why we dive into this work every day and why we'll keep pushing the limits, no matter what's on the horizon.