Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Opt out from your Instagram photos from being used in tagged generative AI posts
Instagram is introducing a feature that allows users to generate AI images based on public photos, unless users actively opt out. The opt-out setting is located within the app's settings under 'Sharing and reuse.' This move has drawn criticism regarding copyright and content misuse, with organizations like SAG-AFTRA and publications like Shacknews taking stances against the use of AI in content creation.
Devs don't buy Steam disclosure claiming gen AI was a necessity: "I'm literally unemployed and I still…
A Steam disclosure for the game Bahast, which stated generative AI was essential for its development, has sparked debate among developers. Many indie developers argue against using AI, citing personal asset creation without AI despite financial struggles. Industry figures like Tim Sweeney believe AI-aided development is crucial for the future, while Sony also views AI as an important technology.
PlayStation is Using Generative AI for Placeholder Voices and Art
Sony is utilizing generative AI tools within its PlayStation studios to assist developers with repetitive tasks, aiming to speed up iteration and improve output quality. These AI tools are being used for creating placeholder assets like synthetic voices and art, as well as accelerating QA, 3D modeling, and facial animations. The company emphasizes that AI is intended to augment human creativity and capabilities rather than replace artists and creators.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 director thinks devs will eventually "be able to churn out a game in 5 seconds with a prompt," but he hopes they're not any good
Guillaume Broche, lead developer at Sandfall Interactive, believes that while AI could eventually allow for games to be generated instantly with a prompt, he hopes these creations won't be good. His studio is not using generative AI for creative work, though they are exploring its use for administrative tasks. Broche also mentioned that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a spiritual successor to the JRPG Lost Odyssey.
Evening Reading - July 2, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers various game reviews and updates, including Rhythm Heaven Groove and Doom: The Dark Ages. It also highlights industry news such as PlayStation ending physical disc production in January 2028, Godot banning generative AI code, and Krafton paying bonuses while CEO Ted Gill resigns. The article also features internet curiosities and memes.
Meta has released an app for making generative AI games
Meta has released a new app designed for creating generative AI games. The app, named Pocket, is listed in app stores but appears to be unavailable in the United States at this time.
Discussing unionization, layoffs, and monetization
A Game Developer podcast episode, featuring analysts from GDC and Omdia, discusses key findings from the GDC 2024 State of the Game Industry report. The conversation covers trends in monetization, industry layoffs, and conglomeration, as well as developer opinions on unionization, with younger developers showing significantly higher support.
Digging into SAG-AFTRA’s Stellar Win With Sarah Elmaleh
Actor and SAG-AFTRA Interactive Media Negotiating Committee chair Sarah Elmaleh discusses the recent Interactive Media Agreement that ended an 11-month strike. The deal includes improved actor pay, new safety standards, and terms for the use of generative AI, giving actors more control over their data. Elmaleh shares her experience navigating the three-year negotiation process.
Analyzing the game industry's woes with Owen Mahoney
Former Nexon CEO Owen Mahoney discusses the game industry's challenges and his views on emerging technologies. After 25 years in the industry, he criticizes trends like the metaverse, VR, and NFTs but expresses optimism about generative AI's potential to revolutionize game development.
Analyzing the 2026 GDC State Of The Industry Report
The 2026 GDC State of the Industry Report, compiled by GDC Festival of Gaming, offers new insights into game development by expanding its survey pool and modifying its format. This episode features content marketing manager Beth Elderkin discussing the changes, followed by a conversation with news editor Chris Kerr and columnist Nicole Carpenter on key data points regarding layoffs, unionization, generative AI, and tariffs.
Godot open-source game engine bans genAI code contributions
The Godot Foundation has implemented new guidelines banning most generative AI code contributions to its open-source game engine. While AI assistance for tasks like code completion is permitted, the engine will no longer accept substantial AI-generated code to ensure human responsibility and manage the review burden on maintainers. This decision comes amidst broader industry discussions about the use of AI in game development.
Godot to ban (almost all) AI coding contributions
The Godot Foundation has announced upcoming policy updates that will ban almost all contributions of generative AI-generated code to the open-source engine. While AI assistance for tasks like code completion will be permitted with disclosure, the foundation aims to ensure all code is human-authored and maintainable by humans who can take responsibility for it.
"Low-effort slop": The creators of the Godot engine behind Slay the Spire 2 are cracking down on "vibe-coding" and now require genAI disclosures
The Godot Foundation, the developers behind the open-source game engine used in titles like Slay the Spire 2 and Buckshot Roulette, are implementing stricter policies regarding generative AI usage. Citing a rise in "low-effort slop" and a strain on maintainers, the foundation will now require contributors to disclose any AI assistance and prohibits the use of AI for generating substantial code. This move contrasts with Epic Games' approach to Unreal Engine 6, which embraces AI integration.
Iron Lung and Dusk creator says using generative AI in games is great if you want "a big neon sign for your…
Indie developer David Szymanski, known for Iron Lung and Dusk, expresses strong reservations about using generative AI in game development. He cites ethical concerns regarding plagiarism, environmental impact, and job security, and believes current AI tools produce subpar results and undermine the creative process by removing challenges that define an artist's voice.
Generative AI is a "virulent plague" and even using it to eliminate "drudgery" has downsides, reckons long-time Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider
Former Dragon Age lead writer David Gaider believes generative AI is a "virulent plague" and not ready for game development, even for mundane tasks. He argues that its use risks inhibiting the training of junior developers and raises significant legal concerns due to unregulated data sourcing. Gaider suggests avoiding the technology until it is properly regulated.
Generative AI is a "plague," says Dragon Age vet David Gaider: "It's not ready for prime time. There's just a lot of executives who really, really want it to be"
Longtime Dragon Age narrative lead David Gaider describes generative AI as a "virulent plague" in the games industry, citing concerns about legal issues, ethical implications, and the potential to hinder junior developer training. He argues that the technology is not yet ready for widespread use and that executives are pushing for it without fully understanding its limitations or impact on creative workflows.
Control Resonant lets Remedy's creativity shine, so avoiding generative AI was a "pretty natural" decision
Remedy Entertainment's upcoming action game, Control Resonant, is set to continue the studio's tradition of blending visuals, sound, and narrative. Lead Gameplay Designer Sergey Mohov confirmed the team's decision to avoid generative AI, emphasizing their commitment to creative freedom. The game will feature expanded enemy variety, including a unique 'Hiss-infested bus' enemy, and will continue Remedy's signature use of music, with a custom-written song by Vilma Jää playing a significant role in the story. Control Resonant is scheduled to launch on September 24.
Nintendo president comments on Gen AI
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa addressed shareholder questions regarding generative AI, highlighting concerns about environmental and copyright issues. The company is evaluating the technology and its potential implications.
Microsoft raises price of Xbox consoles once again, sunsets 2TB model
Microsoft is increasing the prices of its Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X consoles globally starting August 1, 2026, citing a global memory hardware shortage driven by generative AI companies. The 512GB Xbox Series S will rise by $100 to $499.99, and 1TB models of both consoles will increase by $150, with the 2TB Xbox Series X being discontinued. This follows similar price hikes from Sony and Nintendo, with Microsoft explaining that consoles are typically sold at a loss, making them particularly vulnerable to component cost increases.
Epic Games boss calls Steam AI disclosures "really irresponsible of Valve" as they make it "much, much, much harder for a game developer to have a chance of success"
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has criticized Valve's decision to require developers to disclose the use of generative AI in games on Steam, calling it "irresponsible." Sweeney argues that these disclosures create a negative stigma, making it significantly harder for smaller developers to succeed. He believes AI tools are crucial for developers to remain competitive and that such tags discourage innovation.
