In a recent interview with SlashFilm, Andy Weir, the acclaimed author behind The Martian and Project Hail Mary, expressed concerns regarding the trajectory of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on writing careers. Weir stated that he believes it is only a matter of time before AI fundamentally alters the landscape, noting that he feels fortunate to have established his career when he did. He suggested that he might belong to the last generation of fully human writers.
Despite these concerns, Weir maintains a positive perspective on the technology, framing it as a tool rather than an inherent threat. He drew parallels between AI and other technological advancements that have surpassed human physical capabilities, such as race cars exceeding human speed or forklifts surpassing human strength. According to Weir, AI represents a similar leap in intelligence. He emphasized that the technology can be utilized or disconnected at will, arguing that the issue lies not with the tool itself but with how users choose to employ it. To illustrate this point, he compared AI to a hammer, which can be used to build a house or commit a homicide depending on the user's intent.
Weir confirmed that these themes will be central to his next novel, a project he first teased in a 2024 interview with The Bridge. He described the upcoming book as featuring a significant role for AI, though he clarified that it would not follow tropes such as robots falling in love. Weir noted that writing about AI falls within his expertise due to his understanding of computer mechanics and machine learning, stating that he is having fun exploring these concepts in his own way.
The broader implications of AI are also being addressed across the gaming industry. Recent developments include Anthropic blocking AI game clones in a Claude Opus update and Epic Games revealing it had "vibe coded" a new version of its launcher. Additionally, Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros., has declared that games created by AI could never compare to those made by humans.
Sources: IGN.