Mollick's one-shot AI-built RPG shows the jagged frontier: interlocking game systems nailed, writing and plot fall flat
emollick · x · 2026-09-13
Ethan Mollick shares Astra's attempt to build an Ultima-style RPG in one shot, using agent feedback loops to improve it. The result is a useful illustration of AI's jagged intelligence: impressive at generating a complex game with interlocking systems on the first try, but weak on plot, mediocre writing, and formulaic 'LLM-flavored' themes. The game is playable via the shared link. He also jokes that the AI's tendency to name characters 'Elara Vale' has gotten out of hand.
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