Grand Theft Auto, a gravity well in the gaming universe, is the most anticipated release this generation. Mere weeks away, it has reshaped the world around it, all despite being a console-first, single player experience. Speaking with Rock Paper Shotgun, former Rockstar developer Obbe Vermeij commented on the company’s unique release priorities when it comes to PC versions, but speculates that could change with AI copycats breathing down its neck.
“I would be concerned if I was Rockstar,” says Vermeij, “somebody would just take the PS5 version and get AI to change it to PC, which won’t be as good as their effort, but it could still also hurt their sales.”
While he hasn’t worked at the studio since 2009, Vermeij acted as technical director on Grand Theft Auto III. He said when the company ported the first game to the PlayStation in 1997, there were frustrations with how much had to be compromised from the PC build. Heading into the PlayStation 2, they opted to build for console specs first instead of being forced to pare down. Somewhat unconventional for a game that initially made its home on computers, but it proved to be the correct approach, giving the series a massive player base and launching it into global infamy.
AI could change this philosophy, according to Vermeij. While AI struggles to make original games, film, any art as well as the living, human counterparts it pilfers from, it has proven to be prolific at decompiling games.
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