Goichi Suda, known as Suda 51, has explained why his studio Grasshopper Manufacture avoided generative AI tools in creating the upcoming action game Romeo is a Dead Man. In an interview with Eurogamer, he described AI-generated content as feeling 'off' and emphasized the value of human passion in game development. The game draws from zombie films and other influences, releasing on February 11 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Goichi Suda, co-founder of Grasshopper Manufacture and director of Romeo is a Dead Man, shared his views on generative AI during a recent interview with Eurogamer while visiting the UK. The game, developed under Netease-owned Grasshopper, is set for release on February 11 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Suda confirmed that no AI was used, aligning with a Netease policy that shuttered their AI research section.
Suda speculated on the closure, saying, "I don't know, they never explained directly why. If I had to assume, it was probably one or both of two things. A lot of gamers out there don't like AI and having it in their games. Another thing is issues with copyright infringement." He lacks strong opinions on other studios' AI use but noted a Japanese survey finding over half of developers employing it.
Personally, Suda finds AI content unsettling: "For me personally, a lot of the AI stuff I see pops up on social media. As far as it's come, there's something about the images and videos you see that feels off. Most people have that same kind of sense, something psychological lets you know something isn't right here. Something's kinda funky." He believes AI would create a "fake Romeo," making the half-dead protagonist shallow and creepy, undermining the human effort players appreciate.
Romeo is a Dead Man evolved from a cancelled project called Zombie Rider, featuring a half-human, half-zombie character. Inspirations include zombie movies like Night of the Living Dead from the 1960s and 28 Days Later, plus Back to the Future and Rick & Morty for the grandfather-grandson dynamic. Originally planned with five swappable masks, it was reduced to two due to scheduling.
Grasshopper's development style resembles a "jazz band" jam session, with adlib ideas from a core team of 10-12 people. A standout feature, Romeo's melting face in the game over screen, used practical effects from a special effects makeup artist, inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark. Suda described the studio as 'punk-style' and himself as a 'maverick,' aiming for freedom in creation despite production challenges.
