Oliver Twins Announce Ghost Hunters Reboot for RichCast Amid Generative AI Controversy

British game development veterans the Oliver Twins have announced a modern reboot of their classic title, Ghost Hunters, this time for the RichCast interactive platform.

Andrew and Philip Oliver, known for acclaimed releases like Dizzy, Super Robin Hood, and Professional Ski Simulator, have been influential figures in the video game industry since the 1980s.

Their latest project draws attention not only for its nostalgic roots but also for its embrace of generative AI technology, underscoring a divisive topic across game development circles. Ghost Hunters first launched in 1987 on home computers such as the Amstrad CPC, ZX Spectrum, and Commodore 64.

The upcoming reboot, designed by the Oliver Twins’ studio Panivox, leverages the RichCast platform—a user-driven application established in 2021 aimed at producing interactive, choice-based narrative experiences.

RichCast distinguishes itself by integrating substantial artificial intelligence components, including AI-generated speech and visuals.

The Oliver Twins shared promotional images of the Ghost Hunters reboot via their official Facebook account, revealing that primary assets for the project had been generated using AI, rather than created by human artists. The decision to utilize generative AI has not gone unnoticed among industry observers and fans.

Generative AI workflows, which involve training models on enormous datasets of images and videos, have raised a series of ethical, legal, and environmental concerns.

Detractors note that these AI systems frequently rely on copyrighted material without explicit permission, demand significant energy resources, and contribute to an oversaturation of lower-quality content.

The adoption of generative AI also presents a threat to roles traditionally held by artists, animators, and voice actors—the same professional paths where the Oliver Twins once mentored countless up-and-coming developers. In an official statement shared on social media, the Oliver Twins described their intention to "bring Ghost Hunters to a new generation of players with interactive storytelling and the latest in AI-powered game development." While the twins have often championed innovation within the gaming industry, their choice to fully embrace AI technology has prompted disappointment among supporters who value traditional artistry. The Oliver Twins are far from alone in their approach.

Major industry players, including Electronic Arts (EA), have integrated artificial intelligence tools into their workflows, reflecting a widespread trend.

In fact, a recent industry study revealed that approximately 87% of game developers are now implementing some form of AI in their pipelines.

However, the results have proved controversial, igniting debate about the balance between efficiency, creativity, and the preservation of jobs in the creative economy. As Ghost Hunters gears up for its modern debut on RichCast, the project exemplifies both the opportunities and challenges posed by generative AI in game development.

The Oliver Twins’ legacy, coupled with ongoing discussion about the technology’s role, highlights a transformative period for the gaming industry—one marked by both rapid innovation and rigorous debate about the future of creativity.

AI Oliver Twins generative AI Generative AI Ghost Hunters RichCast Panivox Amstrad CPC ZX Spectrum Commodore 64 EA