Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Level-5 Boss Addresses AI Backlash After Fans Hit Out at Game Reveal Showcase
Developer Level-5 has apologized for and explained its use of generative AI after fans criticized footage from games like Professor Layton and the Curious Village and DecaPolice, labeling it 'AI slop'. The company addressed the backlash following its game reveal showcase.
Evening Reading - September 11, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including Saudi Arabian investors considering a merger between EA and Savvy Games, EA Sports confirming the use of generative AI voice tech in NHL 27, and PlayStation reportedly shelving Hideo Kojima's Physint. It also notes Stellar Blade developers confirming game card sizes for the Nintendo Switch 2, the closure of Moss developer Polyarc, and Nintendo's legal win against Switch pirates.
EA Sports confirms it used generative AI voice tech for commentary in NHL 27
Electronic Arts has confirmed the use of generative AI voice technology to expand commentary lines for John Buccigross and Darren Pang in NHL 27, with their consent. This admission follows criticism of the game's shoddy and low-energy commentary, which has been cited as a low point in reviews and contributed to the game's mediocre Metacritic score.
European studio expenditure on external talent rises 63% in 2025
European game studios significantly increased spending on external talent by 63% in 2025, outpacing global growth. This rise in freelancer expenditure, coupled with a 24% increase in freelance collaborations, highlights a shift towards a two-tier team model. Studios face challenges in sourcing qualified specialists, while freelancers grapple with income stability and finding projects, with many concerned about AI's impact on job security and workload.
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits on generative AI, moving development out of North America, and embracing recognisable IP
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits discusses the company's stance on generative AI, stating they are experimenting with it but not replacing human developers. He also highlights Saber's strategy of global development across 15 studios, focusing on AA titles and recognizable intellectual property, emphasizing disciplined budgeting and flexible team structures.
"What in the vibe-coded s*** is this" - RuneScape players revolt as gen-AI copycat game appears and eventually attracts the eye of Jagex
An AI-generated clone of Old School RuneScape, named Elderwood and created by an OpenAI employee, has been shut down following a notice from Jagex. The clone sparked significant backlash from the RuneScape community due to its blatant copying and concerns about generative AI's impact on the game, particularly regarding bots. While the clone offered new areas and features, its operation was discontinued after community outcry and Jagex's intervention.
You can now apply DLSS 5 to your entire desktop with a free app and it even works with RTX 30-series cards
A free application called DLSS NeuralScreen allows users to apply Nvidia's DLSS Neural Rendering technology to their entire desktop, including videos and images, and even works with GeForce RTX 30-series cards. While it offers customization options, it does not support HDR, fullscreen games, is limited to 1440p resolution, and adds significant latency, making it unsuitable for competitive gaming. The author expresses a personal dislike for the DLSS NR look and generative AI's impact on the games industry.
Saber Interactive's chief creative officer says "We've never replaced anybody with AI"
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the company has not replaced any employees with AI, despite a public dispute involving former writer Stella Sacco. While experimenting with AI tools for features like voice generation and optional game modes in 'Rideshare Stimulator', Willits emphasized that core game content is human-written and that the company is exploring AI's potential without widespread integration into production pipelines.
The next game by the creators of Steins;Gate is an entirely vibe-coded FPS slopfest
Mages Inc, known for the Steins;Gate visual novel series, is releasing Juggernaut, a free-to-play boomer shooter that heavily utilizes generative AI for its graphics and effects. The game's asset creation tool also uses AI, drawing criticism from some Steam users who question the studio's commitment to development.
Fallout co-creator tells new devs terrified of layoffs they're "wrong" to expect making games to be a "stable job": "Art itself is inherently unstable"
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain asserts that the video game industry has never been stable and will not improve, advising new developers against expecting job security. He draws parallels to past industry crashes and technological shifts, highlighting current instability exacerbated by generative AI and the post-COVID-19 market.
Almost 1,900 Blizzard workers vote through a "historic" union contract securing protections against layoffs and gen-AI
Approximately 1,900 unionized workers at Blizzard Entertainment have ratified their first contract, securing protections against layoffs and mandating bargaining over the use of generative AI. This historic agreement provides enhanced severance and recall rights for employees across multiple game teams, including World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo.
Unionised Blizzard workers vote through contract giving them a say on genAI adoption and protection against layoffs
Unionized Blizzard Entertainment workers have ratified a new contract that requires the company to negotiate with them over the use of generative AI tools and provides protections against layoffs. The contract covers approximately 1900 staff and includes provisions for recall rights for laid-off employees and additional severance pay. This development occurs amidst ongoing workforce reductions at Microsoft's gaming division.
Exterminauts looks like No Man's Sky but plays like Helldivers 2, and I crushed it at Gamescom 2026
Exterminauts, a new co-op PvE shooter from Behaviour Interactive, offers gameplay similar to Helldivers 2 with a focus on exterminating alien bugs. Despite initial reservations about the premise and genre, the previewer found the game enjoyable and achieved the highest score during a hands-on session at Gamescom 2026. Concerns were raised about the use of generative AI for character voices.
AI Could “Kill All Humans” In Next Decade, Anthropic Lead Says
Anthropic's lead alignment scientist Evan Hubinger expressed a belief that AI could kill all humans within the next decade, citing concerns about superintelligence arising from recursive self-improvement. He and another researcher, Jacob Coxon, voiced worries about the safety practices of leading AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI, suggesting they are prioritizing speed over caution. The comments have sparked debate, with some critics dismissing them as fear-mongering and others calling for stricter AI regulation.
Report: EA is using genAI for commentator voiceover in NHL 27
Electronic Arts is reportedly using generative AI for commentator voiceovers in NHL 27, according to veteran commentator John Buccigross. While Buccigross found the AI voice demonstration impressive, he noted minor errors like mistaking 'seats' for 'chairs'. EA has previously expressed strong support for generative AI in game development, partnering with Stability AI in 2025.
European game developers are more concerned that AI will pressure them to work faster rather than take their job
A survey of European game developers reveals significant concern that generative AI will increase pressure to work faster, rather than lead to job losses. While 61% worry about increased work pace, only 35% fear AI might reduce their job demand. The report also indicates that AI is changing workflows for 78% of respondents and making skill assessment more difficult for 46%.
As the western games industry struggles, China's games industry is booming, a new report shows
A new report from Niko Partners highlights the booming Chinese video game industry, which generated approximately $51.8 billion in revenue in 2025, significantly outpacing the UK market. This growth is attributed to strong performances from both new and live service games, increasing engagement with esports and mini-games, and the integration of generative AI in development. The report forecasts continued expansion, reaching $59.8 billion by 2030.
Niko Partners: Chinese games market surpasses $50bn for the first time in 2025
China's video game market surpassed $50 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $59.8 billion by 2030, according to Niko Partners. The growth is attributed to strong performance from new and existing titles, with mini-games being a significant segment. The report also notes the increasing use of AI and methods to bypass internet censorship.
Steam Week in Review: 54 idle games released on Steam last week, and many look eerily similar
Over 54 incremental games were released on Steam last week, contributing to a massive surge in the genre, with 1811 released so far this year. Many of these games, particularly those utilizing AI for assets and UI, exhibit a strikingly similar visual style, often featuring a dark blue color palette. This trend raises concerns about the quality and originality of AI-generated content flooding the platform.
Saber Interactive is Not Using Generative AI for Licensed Games, Says CCO
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that the company is not using generative AI in its licensed games, including Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3, Turok: Origins, and Jurassic Park Survival. While experimenting with AI in the rideshare simulator game, Willits believes the industry has not yet figured out its practical application in game development. This clarification comes amidst controversy surrounding the use of AI in the rideshare game and a former writer's claims of being replaced.
