Speculation is growing within the gaming community that Ubisoft may be turning to advanced artificial intelligence tools to help complete the much-anticipated sequel, Beyond Good and Evil 2. According to credible industry sources, the French game developer might be utilizing Generative AI technology to streamline certain aspects of the game's creation process, particularly in the realm of non-player character (NPC) development.

The original Beyond Good and Evil debuted in 2003 to critical acclaim but modest commercial success. Its sequel was first announced in 2008, only to enter what fans and industry observers have dubbed "development hell" for over a decade. The project resurfaced prominently during E3 2017 with an impressive trailer showcasing the game's ambitious scope and stylistic vision. Another cinematic preview followed at E3 2018, but concrete details about the game's progress have remained scarce since then.

The development journey took a tragic turn in 2023 with the untimely passing of creative director Emile Morel at age 40. This loss undoubtedly impacted the project's trajectory, potentially contributing to the rumored development pause in early 2025 that industry insider Nash Weedle has referenced. Weedle's claims also suggest Ubisoft considered rebranding the game at one point, though no official name change has materialized.

While Ubisoft maintains that development continues at its Montpellier studio, the potential integration of Generative AI raises interesting questions about modern game development practices. This technology could theoretically accelerate content creation, especially for the game's promised vast, living worlds populated by diverse characters. However, the gaming community remains divided on AI's role in creative processes, with some developers actively opposing its use through initiatives like the No Gen AI Seal movement.

The debate around AI in gaming has gained momentum as platforms like Steam now require developers to disclose any Generative AI usage in their products. Recent analyses suggest approximately 7% of Steam's catalog currently utilizes some form of this technology. Whether Beyond Good and Evil 2 will join these ranks remains uncertain, but the discussion highlights the evolving landscape of game development where traditional creative methods increasingly intersect with cutting-edge technological solutions.