Zachary Whiteside

Hello!

Aloha, my name is Zachary Whitesides. I was born in Kansas. However, the majority of my time growing up was in South Carolina and Hawaii because my dad was in the Military at the time. I attended Pearl City High School and graduated in the year 2020. I attended Leeward community college and transferred to the University of Hawaii - West Oʻahu. If I were an artist's tool, I would be a pencil. The pencil provides flexibility, allowing creativity, and unlimited possibilities.

Research Topic: The Use of Generative AI in the Gaming Industry

Research Question: How can generative AI help the video game industry?

Abstract:

AI in video games has evolved over the years, going as far back as the 1950s, and as the years went by, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been in video game genres such as Text-Based Adventures, RPGs, and First-Person Shooters. With the recent use of generative AI in video games, AI can also be used as a tool to help develop video games. This research paper explores the use of generative AI in video games. Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT can be used to make code and help developers with creative thinking, such as story ideas and dialogue for characters. But not everyone is excited about the recent use of generative AI tools in video games. Some video game developers have mixed feelings about it and are afraid that they might lose their jobs. But they shouldn’t be afraid because generative AI tools need human input to work.

Capstone Project: Video Game

Project Title: JJ's Extraordinary Quest

Capstone Proposal:

CREATIVE PROCESS:

The concept of creativity has come a long way. The Old Greeks would call those creative forces muses, other religions referred to them as God. Today people still mostly treat creativity as an aha moment outside the area of influence. However, just by looking at the creative process one can tell, that creativity and creative work is more than just that one "Aha-Moment" (insight). It is clear that generating ideas demands planning and preparation, identifying something of interest like a problem, an opportunity or a challenge, doing research. This then leads to thinking of a solution, allowing time to incubate and iterations before arriving at something “complete.” Students learn that hard work is what makes their ideas come to life and sticktuiveness is what helps them get better.

DELIVERABLE:

Zachary put theory into practice by building an original game powered by generative AI—showcasing how human creativity and machine intelligence can work hand in hand. Rooted in his research on the evolution of AI in video games—from early text-based adventures to today’s complex, generative tools—Zachary explored how platforms like ChatGPT can support everything from coding to character dialogue. While debates around job security and automation persist, his project highlights a more collaborative future, where AI enhances rather than replaces the developer’s role.

Built with code and curiosity—Go and check out his game!

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