.png)
PlayStation's Hermen Hulst believes artificial intelligence (AI) has the power to transform gaming but insists it will never replace the unique creativity of human developers. Speaking to the BBC alongside co-CEO Hideaki Nishino during PlayStation's 30th-anniversary celebrations, Hulst emphasized the importance of the "human touch" in game creation.
 |
| Hermen Hulst (left) and Hideaki Nishino (right), a joint CEOs of Sony since June |
Sony's year has seen both triumphs and challenges. The PlayStation 5 continues to break sales records, but widespread industry job cuts have overshadowed these successes. Many developers are facing reduced demand post-pandemic while also worrying about AI's potential impact on their roles.
AI technology is already automating repetitive tasks in game development, streamlining workflows. However, fears are growing that it might encroach on creative areas, such as voice acting, with actors in the US striking over concerns about being replaced by AI tools.
Hulst acknowledged these changes but remained optimistic about human involvement in gaming's future. "I believe gaming will cater to two types of experiences: one driven by AI innovation and another rooted in carefully crafted, human-created content," he explained. "Balancing the use of AI while maintaining the human element will be key to the industry's success."
PlayStation CEOs Share Their Early Gaming Memories
Co-CEO Hideaki Nishino revealed that his journey into gaming didn’t begin with a home console. Instead, he would visit a friend’s house to play.
"I started trying to convince my parents to buy Nintendo’s Family Computer [known as the NES in the UK], but it wasn’t easy," Nishino shared. "My little brother and I teamed up to persuade them, and we eventually succeeded, though it felt like it took forever."
For his counterpart, Hermen Hulst, gaming began in a different way. His mother, a toy store owner, introduced him to it, "She was a bit intimidated by technology and often asked me to demo gaming devices for customers," Hulst recalled. "After hours, I would sneak into the store. That’s when I truly developed my passion for games. It was such a magical time in my life."
Their stories highlight the personal connections and early influences that shaped their love for gaming, ultimately leading them to leadership roles in the industry.