Gabe Newell, the billionaire founder of Valve and a seasoned figure in the video game industry, recently shared his insights on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in the realm of technology.
During an interview with Zalkar Saliev, reported by PC Gamer, conducted from his yacht, Newell asserted that the profound influence of machine learning and AI on virtually every sector is “incredibly obvious.” He drew a significant parallel, suggesting that this impending technological shift could be as revolutionary as the original advent of computers and the internet.
He emphasized that anyone aiming to excel in their field should prioritize learning how to leverage AI for improved performance. “If you aspire to be an accountant, an attorney, or a programmer, understanding and utilizing AI tools will be crucial. This seems extremely self-evident,” Newell stated, highlighting the universal applicability of AI mastery.
Newell further commented that individuals and companies who swiftly adapted to the emergence of the internet years ago gained substantial advantages, suggesting a similar trajectory for those who embrace AI early. He elaborated, “The internet era saw companies and individuals seize opportunities to generate immense value, propelling them far beyond their competitors. In essence, AI will serve as a `cheat code` for those willing to utilize it effectively.”
Newell`s strong belief in AI comes as no surprise, given his role as a co-founder of Starfish, a neural network company comparable to Elon Musk`s Neuralink. Starfish heavily relies on AI systems to drive its research initiatives.
While artificial intelligence has long been a significant factor in technology and video games, its current expansion appears to be accelerating, partly due to advancements in areas like generative AI. Nvidia, a primary supplier of hardware essential for AI development, has recently experienced tremendous success, even becoming the world`s most valuable company with a market capitalization exceeding $4 trillion.
The precise impact of AI advancements on employment across gaming and other industries remains to be fully determined, although concerns about potential job displacement are prevalent. Notably, EA CEO Andrew Wilson acknowledged the likelihood of job losses attributable to AI but predicted an overall increase in hiring driven by the emergence of new roles.
In related news, the recent video game voice actor strike concluded, with a key point of contention during negotiations being the implementation of protections against the unchecked use of AI in their profession.