When AI approximates Machine Intelligence, then many online and computer-run RPGs will move towards actual RPG activity. Nonetheless, that will not replace the experience of 'being there,' any more than seeing a theatrical motion picture can replace the stage play.

In this quote, Gary Gygax, the co-creator of Dungeons & Dragons, envisions a future where artificial intelligence (AI) approximates true machine intelligence, leading to significant advancements in online and computer-run role-playing games (RPGs). He suggests that as AI improves, these games could evolve to resemble real-world RPG activity more closely, offering richer, more dynamic experiences. However, Gygax also emphasizes that no matter how advanced these games become, they will never fully replace the unique experience of "being there"—in person, in a live setting, much like how a theatrical motion picture can never fully capture the live energy of a stage play.

Gygax is highlighting the limitations of technology in replicating the depth of human interaction and experience that happens in real-world settings. While AI might enhance the immersion and complexity of virtual games, it cannot replace the human element—the spontaneous, communal, and interactive aspects of a live RPG session or theater performance. His comparison between motion pictures and stage plays illustrates that some experiences are inherently tied to presence and direct engagement, which technology can simulate but not fully replicate.

The origin of this quote reflects Gygax's deep understanding of the role-playing community and his foresight about the future of gaming. As someone who shaped the RPG genre, Gygax recognized the potential of technology to transform how games are played, yet he also understood the importance of human connection and the intangible magic of live experiences. His perspective comes from a time when online gaming was still in its infancy, and his thoughts were prescient in anticipating the rise of AI in gaming.

Ultimately, Gygax's quote is a meditation on the relationship between technology and human interaction. It underscores the idea that while technological advancements, like AI, can enhance and evolve virtual experiences, they cannot replace the rich, authentic connections formed in live, in-person activities. The essence of being part of something real and tangible will always hold a unique value that virtual experiences cannot entirely capture.