Joris de Man, the composer for Horizon Forbidden West, said that using artificial intelligence for creative art feels "f*cking insane" [1].
The statement highlights the growing tension and awe surrounding the integration of generative tools in high-budget game development. As studios increasingly adopt AI to streamline production, veteran creators are grappling with the speed and scale of these technological shifts.
De Man shared his reactions to the capabilities of AI tools used to generate concept art and other creative assets for the title [1]. He said the potential of these tools is "mind-blowing" in separate remarks [2].
While the composer's language reflects a sense of shock, the sentiment underscores a broader industry shift toward automated asset generation. The use of AI in the creative pipeline allows for rapid iteration of visual ideas, though it often sparks debate regarding the role of human artists in the process.
De Man's comments were reported by Kotaku and MSN in May 2024 [1, 2]. The composer's experience with the project illustrates how AI is moving from a theoretical tool to a functional part of the creative workflow for major gaming franchises.
Because the tools can produce complex imagery from simple prompts, the boundary between technical execution and creative direction is shifting. De Man's reaction captures the visceral response of professionals witnessing the displacement of traditional manual labor by algorithmic generation.
“"Using AI for creative art feels f*cking insane."”
The reaction from a high-profile composer like de Man indicates that the gaming industry is entering a phase of profound disruption. When veteran creators describe AI capabilities as 'insane,' it suggests that the leap in efficiency and output is outstripping the industry's current ethical and professional frameworks for creative ownership.
