Deep Sea Trek 2 and 007 reject AI—is old-school craft still winning?

Developers behind Subnautica 2 and 007: Golden Years confirmed this week that neither game uses AI-generated content. IO Interactive's senior leadership made a direct call: no AI assistance in their James Bond title.

The stance stands out in 2026, when AI-generated textures and NPC dialogue have become standard shortcuts. Subnautica's hand-crafted underwater environments offer the kind of cohesive world design that procedural generation still can't match—every kelp forest and cave system feels intentional rather than algorithmically placed.

Elsewhere, Metal Gear Solid 2 HD Edition's source code and uncompressed assets leaked online this week, complete with development file directories. Collectors are treating it like buried treasure, though the practical impact on players remains minimal. The real question is whether this compromises future remaster plans.

More concrete news: Take-Two's CEO hinted that GTA 6's November 19 release date won't shift, joking that "a lot of people will be calling in sick that day." Six months out leaves time to save up—Rockstar's launch pricing rarely favors early adopters, but the hours-per-dollar ratio tends to justify itself.

The AI debate boils down to takeout versus home cooking. Fast food gets the job done, but something's missing after the fifth meal. Subnautica 2 and 007 choosing manual production means slower development, but the final product should have more substance. For weekend players with limited time, one thoughtfully crafted game beats ten assembly-line releases.