Sakaguchi Defends AI Final Fantasy VI Post as Backlash Spreads

5 articles · Updated · Kotaku · May 19

Hironobu Sakaguchi said he was surprised by the "huge reaction" to his praise of an AI-made Final Fantasy VI remake video, adding that he still "intuitively sensed" the technology's future potential.
His follow-up post argued AI is not good enough yet but could lead to "intriguing" uses later, showing he has not accepted the criticism that followed his original endorsement.
That criticism came from fans and from Square Enix veteran Akitoshi Kawazu, who pushed back on the quality of the AI-generated remake clip.
Sakaguchi also shared AI-altered Lost Odyssey concept art, a move that intensified complaints from critics who see generative AI as undermining human-made game art.

As Square Enix embraces AI, can a Final Fantasy 6 remake truly capture the human artistry that defined the original classic?

Is generative AI a revolutionary tool for creators, or an ethical minefield threatening the future of game development?