Banjo: Recompiled dev criticises AI port video
DarioSamo says a Video Game Esoterica video about a generative AI Banjo Tooie recompilation failed to make clear the project was not made by his team.
DarioSamo, a developer behind the unofficial PC port Banjo: Recompiled, has publicly criticised a Video Game Esoterica video about a Banjo Tooie recompilation project built with generative AI, according to rockpapershotgun.com. He said it was irresponsible for the video not to make clear who was behind the project.
In his comments, DarioSamo stated that the Banjo Tooie recompilation featured by the YouTube channel used tooling devised for Banjo: Recompiled but was not made by the Recompiled team. He argued that claims generative AI speeds up PC ports of classic games are false or misguided.
The dispute follows the release of Banjo: Recompiled earlier this year — an unofficial PC version of the N64 platformer Banjo-Kazooie put out by a modder group.
In a follow-up thread posted on Bluesky last night, DarioSamo detailed what he sees as the impact of generative AI on PC versions of older games. He said the DK64 Rekongpiled team raced against an AI-based Donkey Kong 64 port and reached a good state because they were deeply familiar with the game, while the AI effort failed to progress.
Quick answers
What is Banjo: Recompiled?
It is an unofficial PC version of the N64 platformer Banjo-Kazooie, released earlier this year by a modder group.
Did the Banjo: Recompiled team make the AI Banjo Tooie port?
No. DarioSamo said the Banjo Tooie recompilation featured by Video Game Esoterica used tooling devised for Banjo: Recompiled but was not made by the Recompiled team.
Does generative AI speed up PC ports of classic games?
DarioSamo argued that claims it does are false or misguided.