Runway AI, known for its generative AI video tools used in film and content creation, is now targeting the video game industry with its new "Game Worlds" platform. This platform aims to allow users to generate functioning video games using simple text prompts and user-provided images. While initially focusing on text-based adventures with accompanying pictures, Runway plans to introduce more complex video generation and gameplay mechanics later in the year.

How it Works

Runway's "Game Worlds" platform centers around generative AI, enabling users to create and experience text-based adventure games by simply entering basic text. Unlike traditional game development, which demands significant resources and specialized skills, this platform uses AI to automatically generate textual narratives and accompanying images, greatly lowering the barrier to entry. Users provide the game world's name, core concept, and atmosphere description, and the AI generates a visual tone and character image that fits the set style, creating an immersive, interactive experience.

A key feature of "Game Worlds" is its innovative numerical system. Players gain or lose game-related values, such as resources, skill points, or story progress, with each interaction within the game world. This mechanism adds purpose and continuous appeal, encouraging players to invest time in the game.

The Goal

Runway's goal is to bring the same speed and creative flexibility it offered filmmakers to game studios. CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela believes the efficiencies seen in film production, where AI significantly shortened timelines for editing and visual effects, can now be replicated in gaming. He stated that if Runway can help a studio make a movie 40% faster, they could probably help developers make games faster. By automating asset creation, environment design, and even character interactions, AI game generators are revolutionizing development workflows. These tools aren't just time-savers but creative multipliers that let developers experiment more freely and bring ambitious visions to life with fewer resources.

The Bigger Picture

Runway's move reflects a broader trend of AI sweeping creative industries. Generative AI is already widely used within the video game industry, from indie to big-budget studios. For example, Activision Blizzard uses AI to create visuals for the latest Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Moreover, AI is helping developers revive old classics like Doom and Quake.

AI game development tools offer a streamlined way to refine production across various genres. This technology uses advanced algorithms that learn from player engagement, adapting gameplay with more accuracy than traditional methods. Many studios adopt these solutions to cut costs and reduce manual labor during critical production phases. It also supports faster delivery to market, creating new growth opportunities and improving overall project efficiency.

Challenges and Criticisms

The application of AI in video games has drawn criticism from industry professionals. Concerns exist that AI-generated content may impact traditional job positions, and issues related to copyright and data usage have also attracted attention. The SAG-AFTRA union, for instance, initiated strikes against video game companies over the use of members' likenesses and voices for AI training. Runway has also faced controversy over reports that its AI was trained using YouTube videos and pirated movies, violating YouTube's terms of service.

Gaming presents unique challenges compared to films. Unlike linear video, games are interactive and require tightly integrated logic, physics, and performance optimization.

Looking Ahead

Runway is reportedly in talks with gaming companies to offer its technology for the game development process. Valenzuela stated that generated video games are coming later in 2025, and Runway is looking to partner with video game companies, allowing them to use the company's AI tools while Runway gains access to video game datasets to train its AI. This collaboration could accelerate the adoption of AI tools in game development. As AI-generated content becomes more sophisticated, gaming studios – particularly indie developers – are increasingly exploring AI tools to cut costs and increase the speed of testing phases without sacrificing creativity or quality.