PlayStation’s new LA-based first-party studio, Dark Outlaw Games, is hiring artists who are experts with generative AI tools like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion for its debut AAA project.
Sony’s PlayStation Studios just formed a brand new studio in Los Angeles called Dark Outlaw Games. This first-party team was officially announced earlier this year, and it’s already drawing attention, not just because of the PlayStation label, but because it’s led by none other than Jason Blundell.
If that name rings a bell, it’s because Blundell helped shape some of the most memorable Call of Duty: Black Ops campaigns and Zombies experiences, and later led the ill-fated Deviation Games.
Now, under the PlayStation banner, Blundell and his crew are aiming high. Dark Outlaw Games is working on what’s described as a “high-profile AAA console title,” with a mission to create an all-new original IP. The studio’s also promised to “reimagine the development process” with a leaner and more efficient team, a line that raised some eyebrows when it was first announced.
But it’s the studio’s new job listing that’s really caught our attention.
PlayStation’s AAA Studio Is All-In on Generative AI for Game Art
A brand-new job listing for a Senior Concept Artist at Dark Outlaw Games—spotted by The Game Post—includes a standout requirement: applicants must have advanced expertise with generative AI tools like Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and even ChatGPT.
This isn’t just a bonus skill, the studio is openly searching for artists who are comfortable creating, refining, and polishing both traditional and AI-generated artwork. The listing specifically mentions these tools by name, which seems to be one of the first times a PlayStation first-party studio has made such a direct push for generative AI experience.
The job description says the ideal candidate should “refine and polish 2D artwork created by both human artists and generative AI tools,” and have “advanced expertise in using generative AI tools such as Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, ChatGPT, or similar platforms.” Dark Outlaw Games is clearly looking for someone who can bridge the gap between classic art skills and the new wave of AI-powered creation.
This approach feels like a real sign of where things are headed in the industry. We’ve already seen Epic Games use AI voice tech in Fortnite, where Darth Vader’s recent voice lines were actually generated using AI. Bungie has also experimented with its own internal tool called BunGPT, designed to help with everything from code to narrative work. Now, it seems Sony’s newest first-party team is making generative AI a core part of its art pipeline for a flagship AAA project.
The job description reads, “We are seeking a Senior Concept Artist to join our LA studio, reporting directly to our Art Director. The ideal candidate is proactive, with strong skills in digital illustration, 3D modeling, character design, graphic design, experience with generative AI tools, and passionate about making games. Help us create our next AAA title — one that will truly stand apart from the rest!”
Some responsibilities for this role include:
- Develop high-quality concept art for characters, environments, weapons, props and UI that align with the project’s artistic vision and gameplay goals.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively across multiple disciplines, including design, programming, and external artistic partners.
- Work effectively both independently and as part of a team to generate innovative ideas and deliver compelling visual designs.
- Provide clear feedback and guidance through style guides, illustrations, paint-overs of in-game geometry, 3D blockouts, or written documentation, to both internal and external artists to maintain artistic consistency and quality.
- Assist the Art Director in developing the game’s artistic style, visual identity, and lore.
- Create detailed concepts for various game elements, ensuring they are production-ready for 3D artists, designers, and animators.
Of course, this kind of move comes with plenty of debate. AI tools are changing the way games are made, for better or worse, and not everyone in the art community is thrilled about the shift. Seeing PlayStation so openly mention generative AI for a brand-new studio’s debut title will definitely get people talking.
What’s your take on PlayStation’s new studio making AI experience a must-have for artists? How do you feel about the growing use of generative AI in creative roles within game development? Join the conversation and share your thoughts below!
