Ted Chiang discusses science fiction and AI at Spain's Celsius 232 festival

A few days ago, acclaimed sci‑fi author Ted Chiang was interviewed at the Celsius 232 festival in Avilés, Asturias, Spain. The event marked the 15th edition of this prestigious international gathering for fiction writers and the first appearance of both Gamereactor and Chiang at the festival.

During the interview, Chiang spoke about the adaptation of his story "Story of Your Life" into the film Arrival, the possibilities of interactive storytelling, the impact of generative AI on writing, and the enduring value of fiction as a way of thinking. He emphasized that a scientific or philosophical concept comes first in his work, using science fiction to dramatise abstract questions and give them emotional resonance for readers.