Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
"A couple of companies have managed to ignite a culture war and bring the economy to the brink of collapse": Games AI veteran says it can be useful, but we've made mountains out of ChatGPT's molehills
AI researcher Luke Dicken argues that while AI has useful applications in game development, the current hype around Large Language Models and generative AI is disproportionate. He distinguishes between AI as a decision-making tool and the overblown promises of magic buttons, emphasizing that AI's true value lies in enabling capabilities beyond human scale, not just faster or cheaper execution of existing tasks. Dicken also warns of the unsustainable economic model behind current AI tools and suggests publishers should focus on addressing wasted labor in AAA development rather than relying on AI to cut corners.
We won't get "the next FromSoftware" or "another Remedy or Larian" at this rate, warns veteran…
Veteran game developer Xalavier Nelson Jr. warns that industry consolidation and financial uncertainty are preventing new studios like Larian or Remedy from emerging. He argues that the current environment, exacerbated by issues like rising console prices due to AI-driven RAM shortages, stunts the growth of developers and limits their ability to practice and refine their craft over decades. Nelson Jr. emphasizes the need for audiences to actively support and evangelize the games and creators they love to foster a healthier development ecosystem.
Nvidia GPUs see yet another price hike of up to 30 percent, as the generative AI hardware crisis worsens
Nvidia has implemented a third price hike on its GPUs this year, with increases ranging from 20 to 30 percent, affecting a wider range of its products. This surge is driven by the high demand for hardware in the generative AI sector. The rising costs are also impacting other components like Samsung's DRAM and have led to price increases for consoles such as the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
EA boss got £29,000,000 bonus for Battlefield 6 while the devs were laid off
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson received a bonus of nearly $39 million for the 2026 financial year, despite the company laying off employees from studios working on Battlefield 6. This bonus is an increase from the previous year and does not include his base salary. Other executives also received significant bonuses, while games like Battlefield 6, EA Sports FC, and Apex Legends were highlighted for their success, alongside a generative AI strategy.
EA boss awarded $38.6M after year of franchise success, studio layoffs, and GenAI adoption
Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson received $38.6 million in compensation for the 2026 fiscal year, a significant increase from previous years. The company reported success with franchises like Battlefield 6 and EA Sports FC, alongside the adoption of generative AI. Despite these successes, EA conducted layoffs at Full Circle and its Battlefield division.
A Chance To Get Behind The Wheel Of Crazy Taxi: World Tour Is Coming Soon
Sega has announced a closed multiplayer network test for Crazy Taxi: World Tour, scheduled to run from September 11-13 in the US, with sign-ups closing August 31. The test will be available on Xbox Series X, PC, and PlayStation 5. The game has also faced scrutiny for its use of generative AI in development, which Sega states was used as a support tool for background assets.
Dark Town Secrets: Lost Lulu Collector’s Edition Review | TheXboxHub
Dark Town Secrets: Lost Lulu Collector's Edition offers a campy and hilarious narrative, blending a gritty detective story with cute hidden object elements. While the game's story is incoherent, its unique approach to hidden object gameplay, with nearly exhaustive item finding and varied puzzle types, appeals to obsessive players. However, the visual presentation suffers from inconsistent scaling, repetitive assets, and potentially AI-generated art, making it a rough-edged but intriguing experience.
Dragon Quest announces new collaboration with Google's Gemini for in-person event in Tokyo after DQX's controversial AI-powered companion
Square Enix and Google Gemini are collaborating on an in-person event in Tokyo called 'Gemini Quest' following the controversial launch of an AI companion for Dragon Quest X. The event will feature AR experiences with giant monster statues and offer limited edition 'mini medal' rewards for participants who complete quests.
OpenAI CEO thinks the AI singularity is already upon us and that cracking down on it wouldn't be good for humanity,…
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman believes the AI singularity, the point where AI surpasses human intelligence, is already happening. He argues against cracking down on AI development, advocating for liberty over "AI authoritarianism" and suggesting that open access to AI models is crucial for humanity's future.
Meta launches new Facebook Verified badge for actual, real humans
Meta is introducing a new Facebook Verified badge to combat scammers using generative AI. This feature will require users to submit selfies to confirm their identity as real individuals.
Persona and Shin Megami Tensei artist isn't using generative AI in his next game following backlash to his last 2…
Persona and Shin Megami Tensei artist Kazuma Kaneko has stated he will not use generative AI in his upcoming game developed at COLOPL, following criticism of his previous title, Tsukuyomi: The Divine Hunter. While that game utilized AI-generated artwork trained on his own illustrations, Kaneko found the process inefficient and the results unsatisfactory, with some art resembling copyrighted works. An offline version of Tsukuyomi for Nintendo Switch removed the AI generation system.
US judge closes the book on first big AI copyright suit, ordering Anthropic to pay $1.5 billion settlement
A US judge has approved a $1.5 billion copyright settlement between AI company Anthropic and a group of authors. The lawsuit alleged that Anthropic used millions of pirated books to train its Claude chatbot. The settlement covers approximately 500,000 works, with eligible authors and publishers receiving $3,000 per pirated work.
"Steam’s required AI disclosure is the right move": Devs say gen AI should be called out in games and…
Valve's new policy requiring developers to disclose the use of generative AI in games on Steam has sparked debate, with some, like Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, calling it irresponsible. However, many developers interviewed believe transparency is crucial, arguing that gamers have a right to know how their games are made and what they are supporting. There is a sentiment that consumers are pushing back against AI-generated content, and platforms like Steam are responding to this demand.
Ethical, low-power, and on-device: Studio Atelico's vision for the future of generative AI
Studio Atelico is developing its debut game, Bobium Brawlers, using its proprietary on-device generative AI engine, which operates ethically by training on its own artists' work. The studio secured $5 million in seed funding to advance its AI-first ecosystem, aiming to uplift human artists rather than replace them. The technology prioritizes low power usage and avoids cloud-based fees, with the goal of becoming the 'Epic Games of AI' by creating games and tools that foster a self-reinforcing loop of innovation.
"Built for that world doesn't mean built to require it": Unity reveal their next game engine while walking a careful line around generative AI
Unity has announced Unity 7, the next iteration of its game engine, promising smoother project transitions from Unity 6 and a more open approach to collaboration. While incorporating generative AI features, Unity is emphasizing that these are optional. The engine will adopt CoreCLR as its default scripting backend for faster performance and introduce a new global illumination system. Unity 7 is set for an early beta in December 2026 and a full release in early 2027, aiming to rebuild developer trust after past pricing controversies.
Unity unveils Unity 7 roadmap with update path that won't break your build
Unity announced its roadmap for Unity 7, promising speedier workflows, an improved ecosystem, and better graphics with a direct upgrade path from Unity 6. The new version will enter early beta in December 2026 and release in early 2027. Unity 7 will also offer more flexibility regarding generative AI integration, allowing developers to choose their level of adoption.
First-person explorer Sketchy Fables is a twitchy, teeming feast of hand-drawn art with acting from Hades 2's Sarah Grayson
Sketchy Fables is a first-person explorer game featuring unique hand-drawn art and narration by Sarah Grayson, known for her work on Hades 2. The game's world dynamically changes based on player actions, with choices influencing whether the environment becomes beautiful or decays. Developer Alle Jong utilized generative AI for localization due to budget and time constraints, a decision that contrasts with the game's emphasis on hand-crafted art.
"It creates lesser games": Indie game studios are supposed to love generative AI, so why do the 25 devs I…
Many indie game developers express strong aversion to using generative AI, viewing it as a threat to their reputation, a trap for new developers, a legal hazard, or simply impractical. They emphasize the value of human ingenuity and the creative process, arguing that AI-generated content leads to lesser, soulless games and could harm the industry by automating junior roles and prioritizing short-term profit over artistic integrity.
In An Era Of AI Slop, Meccha Chameleon Embraces Human-Crafted Chaos
Meccha Chameleon, an indie game developed by lemorion_1224 and Haganeiro, has gained significant popularity on Steam by embracing human-crafted chaos over generative AI. Despite its rudimentary graphics and polish, the game's unique hide-and-seek gameplay, inspired by Prop Hunt and featuring player-created camouflage, encourages creativity and fun, standing in contrast to the perceived "AI slop" in the industry.
Netflix admits to using GenAI both in the app and on 300 movies and shows in 2026 alone
Netflix has admitted to using Generative AI in the production of approximately 300 movies and shows in 2026, aiming to reduce costs and increase production speed. The company stated that AI tools are primarily used in post-production to enhance scenes and sequences that might otherwise be omitted due to budget constraints. Additionally, Netflix employs AI on its platform to improve title discovery and personalize content recommendations for users.
