Grasshopper Manufacture has announced a surprise sequel to their cult classic roguelike, Let It Die. The new title, codenamed Let It Die 2 for now, is set to heavily leverage artificial intelligence in its development, impacting everything from its visual presentation to its audio design.
The developers have confirmed that AI has played a significant role in shaping the game’s graphics, music, and character voices. While the exact implementation details remain scarce, the studio has stated that “AI-generated content has been used and then edited by our team,” suggesting a hybrid approach where AI serves as a foundational tool rather than a fully autonomous creator.
The AI Integration: A Double-Edged Sword?
This move towards AI in game development, particularly for core creative elements like visuals and sound, is a significant talking point within the industry. For Let It Die 2, this could mean a faster development cycle and potentially unique aesthetic choices that might be difficult or time-consuming to achieve through traditional methods.
However, the use of AI in creative fields often sparks debate about artistic integrity, job displacement, and the potential for uncanny or generic outputs. The developers’ emphasis on team editing suggests an awareness of these concerns, aiming to harness AI’s capabilities while maintaining a human touch and quality control.
What This Means for Let It Die Fans
For fans of the original Let It Die, known for its quirky charm, brutal combat, and distinct art style, the integration of AI raises questions about whether the sequel will retain that unique spirit. The promise of AI-generated voices and music could lead to novel soundscapes and performances, but it remains to be seen how these elements will blend with the established tone of the series.
The original Let It Die was a free-to-play title with a die-and-retry gameplay loop set in the Tower of Barbs. Its successor is expected to build upon this foundation, offering a fresh experience that explores the possibilities of AI-assisted creation.
Our Take: Embracing the Future, Cautiously
The use of AI in game development is no longer a question of *if*, but *how*. Grasshopper Manufacture’s approach in Let It Die 2, focusing on AI as a tool for their team to edit and refine, seems like a responsible way to explore this new frontier. It acknowledges the potential of AI to augment creativity and efficiency while crucially retaining human oversight to ensure quality and artistic vision.
The success of this integration will hinge on the execution. Will the AI-generated elements feel seamless and innovative, or will they be a noticeable detractor? We’re eager to see how this bold experiment unfolds and whether it sets a new precedent for AI in game creation.
This story was based on reporting from PC Gamer. Read the full report here.
