Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
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.
'There is absolutely no generative AI in Space Marine 3' promises Saber Interactive executive
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits stated that their upcoming game, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, will not utilize generative AI in its development. While Saber is experimenting with AI in smaller projects like Rideshare Stimulator, they are being cautious with major titles, especially those with licensed properties like Warhammer 40,000.
Gen-AI controversy aside, Crazy Taxi: World Tour feels like classic arcade Sega - and it's an absolute blast
Sega's upcoming Crazy Taxi: World Tour revives the classic arcade thrills and 90s skate-punk spirit of the original. The preview highlights familiar mechanics like the Crazy Dash, Crazy Stop, and Crazy Drift, alongside new additions like mini-games and 'Odd Jobs' integrated into the maps. Despite controversy surrounding generative AI, the hands-on experience suggests a fun and exhilarating return for the beloved franchise.
Hands-on with DLSS 5 in NBA 2K27: Here's what works and what doesn't work about Nvidia's new AI upscaler
This hands-on analysis of Nvidia's DLSS 5 technology in NBA 2K27 reveals mixed results. While DLSS 5 enhances photorealism in environments and character models, it significantly impacts performance when frame generation is not used. Issues with lip-syncing in dialogue scenes also detract from the experience, leading to a critical view of its current implementation.
Gamecity Hamburg launches second round of prototype funding
Gamecity Hamburg has launched the second round of its prototype funding program, offering up to €80,000 in non-repayable funds to Hamburg-based startups and SMEs for digital game development. Applicants must have a marketable prototype and consult with Gamecity Hamburg before the September 24, 2026 deadline.
Confirmed: No Generative AI in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3
Saber Interactive has confirmed that Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 3 will not feature generative AI, following fan backlash to its use in other games. The developer reassured players that the technology is not being used in the upcoming title.
"We can get any IP" - Saber CCO on why reviving dormant franchises is the big, obvious secret the the publisher's success, and why Xbox could learn from it
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits believes the company's success stems from its strategy of reviving dormant franchises and ensuring projects can generate four times their cost. He highlighted titles like World War Z and Snow Runner as examples of profitable ventures, and suggested that larger companies like Microsoft could benefit from a similar approach by revitalizing underutilized IPs.
NYC bans the use of generative AI tools in public schools for students through eighth grade
New York City public schools have banned the use of generative AI tools for students in grades up to eighth grade for the upcoming academic year. This decision aims to address concerns surrounding the technology's impact on education.
Nvidia's controversial, face-changing, gen-AI DLSS 5 tech releases tomorrow for one game, and seems to tank frame-rates
Nvidia's controversial DLSS 5 technology, which uses generative AI for graphical enhancements, is launching for NBA 2K7 on GeForce RTX 50 Series GPUs. Despite claims of transforming visual fidelity, the technology has faced criticism for altering character appearances and, more recently, for significantly tanking frame rates, contrary to its performance-enhancing origins.
Nvidia DLSS 5 Launches on September 3, Debuts in NBA 2K27
NVIDIA announced that DLSS 5 will launch on September 3rd, debuting in NBA 2K27 to enhance photorealism and performance. The technology aims to overcome hardware limitations using generative AI, promising high frame rates for players with compatible hardware. NBA 2K27 is set to release on September 4th for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch.
