Graphics and gameplay have evolved a lot over the years, meaning many games have become outdated. While that would normally lead to remakes and remasters, Xbox seems to believe it has a better answer. Microsoft's Xbox team has introduced a bold and somewhat controversial new tool called Muse, which aims to transform how we engage with classic games. For a long time, preserving and keeping these gaming relics accessible has been a challenge, balancing the limitations of technology with the art of the original games.

While remakes and remasters try to fill this gap, they can be hit or miss. Done well, a modern rendition like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth can capture and enhance what was compelling about a classic, but it's common to lose unique details of lighting, atmosphere, and even the controls that made the originals special. However, Muse raises important questions about the future of game preservation and the use of artificial intelligence in creative fields. Muse could be a groundbreaking solution to an ongoing problem, but it could also undermine the personal touch of beloved games from the past.

Xbox’s AI Tool Muse Sounds Concerning

Xbox Muse AI Tool Doesn't Look Like The Future

On met with some negative reactions. While Xbox is touting Muse as a way to revive classic games and speed up the creative process, it could also pose serious risks to preserving games and the industry's future.

The image at the end of the gallery shown above has not been blurred or edited at all, reflecting Microsoft's portrayal of Muse's current capabilities.

Using AI to recreate existing games can obviously come with concerns about ethical model training, as AI models often learn from copyrighted content without permission from the original creators. In Muse's case, it's been trained so far on Ninja Theory's Bleeding Edge, and Microsoft will presumably continue to use games under its ownership as the basis. Nonetheless, it could still be frustrating for the actual creative forces behind these games, as many developers and artists involved in older titles are likely to have no involvement with Microsoft at this point.

Muse's Relationship To Human Creativity Is Concerning

Microsoft Is Only Proposing A Tool, But It's Not That Simple

It also doesn’t help the genuine worry that AI might take over human creativity and artistry. Although Microsoft claims Muse will assist developers, there’s a concern that AI could gradually replace them in roles related to design, development, and art. Since AI relies on existing data, future games could become repetitive and lack the unique creativity from human experiences.

Microsoft's argument that AI is more of a tool than a replacement is valid, but especially in light of studio closures and layoffs that have happened to a number of Xbox subsidiaries in recent years, it's hard to trust that the tool won't ultimately lead to more staff being replaced. The gaming community’s negative reaction to Muse shows a deep distrust of AI in game creation. Both players and developers are concerned that AI could harm games' artistic quality and uniqueness, resulting in a less diverse gaming experience.

One positive move from Microsoft is that Muse is openly available on Microsoft's Azure AI Foundry, so the model isn't something that Microsoft is attempting to lock behind closed doors. This is a positive move for transparency, but it adds to the worries about Muse's impact. When powerful technology is made freely available, it raises the risk of misuse, which could lead to even more negative effects. However, it’s important to understand that the future is coming whether we want it or not, and how we help shape it matters.

Bringing Back Classic Games Requires A Careful Touch

Reviving Classic Games the Right Way

One major issue with Xbox’s Muse is that it could replace human creativity. Since the AI learns from existing games, there’s a risk that game design could become more uniform, leading to many games that feel similar and lack the unique artistic touch that developers currently bring. Appropriately, the proposed usage of making older games playable again operates within the confines of recreation, but the ability to capture the broad strokes of a game doesn't give Muse an understanding of the subtler elements that made classic games great.

While Muse can create play sequences based on only ten frames, the examples provided seem merely functional rather than inspired. Training the model on more complete gameplay experiences may help it get closer, but nothing Microsoft has provided so far creates a convincing argument that as capable as fully human processes, even for ideation. A remake or remaster relying on Muse would need significant human effort and intervention to capture nuances and add improvements, and it's hard to see how using the model could ultimately save time or resources without sacrificing quality.

True preservation can sometimes mean keeping the original game intact, along with its source code and documentation, rather than replicating its visuals or mechanics with AI. An AI-generated version might not capture the original game's artistic value and historical significance. Team Fortress 2 recently ed the Source SDK on Github, as announced on the official TeamFortress website, making the game open source for anyone to experiment with. Unlike Xbox's vague proposals, that’s a great, definitive way to keep an older game alive.

The risk of losing originality and the possible misuse of AI are serious issues that need careful thought before these technologies are widely adopted in game development. The long-term effects could be significant, and it’s important to do it correctly. The current Muse creations don't suggest the presence of meaningful game design and personality that traditional development promotes, and it's hard to imagine that its usage would help retain those strengths in attempts to bring back classic games.

Games Should Be Much More Than Playable

The Value Of Games Beyond Gameplay

Xbox should know that video games, especially classic ones, mean a lot more than just being fun to play. Games are like a mix of technology, art, and shared memories from many people. Their importance goes beyond just playing; they are part of our culture and history, each game reflecting the technology and trends of its time. When a developer remasters or remakes it, mixing current technology with the old takes time and thought.

Classic games like Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Super Mario Bros. were not just popular; they changed the gaming world. They set standards, created new genres, and helped the gaming industry grow. These games are essential parts of gaming history, laying the groundwork for many other titles that followed. They also showcase the creativity of their creators.

From the pixel art of early arcade games to the clever level designs and storytelling in adventure games, even simple games can be seen as true art. Overcoming the tech limits of their time led to innovative gameplay experiences. Classic games are deeply personal and memorable. They often bring back strong feelings tied to childhood, friendships, and shared moments. Players working with friends, competing against each other, and the sense of community formed around these games.

I believe that older games need to be remastered, just like older movies should be remade. New players don’t have nostalgia like we do, and those older games and movies can look rough compared to what’s offered today. However, Muse is nowhere near where it needs to be if Xbox wants to position it as a core tool for bringing back old titles. At the moment, no matter how impressive the tech involved might be, there's little to suggest that it's ready to be used in any meaningful capacity.

Source: Xbox Wire, TeamFortress