Generative AI
Ongoing coverage on Generative AI.
Latest coverage
Take-Two Interactive apparently laid off gen AI devs after being bullish about the technology
Take-Two Interactive has reportedly laid off its generative AI development team, including former developers Luke Dicken and Jason Leon. This move comes just two months after CEO Strauss Zelnick expressed the company's active embrace of generative AI technology in game development. The layoffs are attributed to shifting priorities from upper management, indicating a potential change in the company's strategy regarding AI.
Nvidia's own DLSS 5 video being blocked on YouTube thanks to an Italian TV station is pretty funny, but boy, it sure makes me worried about AI copyright infringement
Nvidia's DLSS 5 announcement video was mistakenly blocked on YouTube due to a copyright claim by Italian TV station La7, highlighting concerns about AI copyright infringement. This incident, while seemingly a simple system error, underscores the complex challenges generative AI poses to existing copyright frameworks and content moderation systems like YouTube's Content ID.
Analyst argues Epic’s floundering is a symptom of wider problems with American platforms
Analyst Joost van Dreunen argues that Epic Games' recent struggles, including job cuts, are symptomatic of broader issues within the American gaming industry. He points to the excessive power of digital store platforms, economic factors like tariffs, and a lack of innovation compared to other regions embracing new technologies like generative AI.
Papers, Please Creator Says AI Makes Him Nervous to Announce New Projects
Lucas Pope, the creator of Papers, Please and Return of the Obra Dinn, expressed concerns about announcing new projects due to the rise of generative AI potentially stealing ideas. He feels uncomfortable discussing upcoming games because concepts might be copied or absorbed by AI. Pope also cited personal satisfaction with his previous works as a reason for hesitation, contemplating ending on a high note.
Epic Games and Fortnite Might Be in Free-Fall, per Industry Analyst
Industry analyst Joost van Dreunen suggests that Epic Games and its flagship title Fortnite may be facing significant challenges, despite their popularity. He points to recent layoffs, the slow adoption of generative AI in gaming, and ongoing platform holder cost imbalances as contributing factors to a potential decline.
Samsung will discontinue its Messages app in July and replace it with Google's
Samsung will discontinue its proprietary Samsung Messages app in July, replacing it with Google Messages across its devices. The switch offers enhanced features like RCS messaging and AI-powered photo remixing, with Google Messages already being pre-installed on newer models like the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and S25 series.
Warframe community director says 'nothing in our games will be AI-generated, ever'
Digital Extremes community director Megan Everett stated that no AI-generated content will ever be used in Warframe or Soulframe, emphasizing a commitment to human-made assets. While some publishers like Nexon have praised AI for cost savings, Everett expressed strong personal opposition to the technology due to its potential to deceive and frustrate.
This AI startup envisions '100 million new people' making videogames
The startup Tesana is developing a proprietary game engine that uses generative AI to translate text prompts into game code, aiming to enable millions of people to create video games. While the technology promises increased accessibility and volume in game development, questions remain about creative control and the long-term viability of AI-generated content compared to human-driven artistic vision. The company is optimistic about creating new markets and hobbies, acknowledging that the technology is still in its early stages.
Following CEO's AI Doubts, Take-Two's AI Team Is Shrinking
Take-Two Interactive has reduced its artificial intelligence research and implementation team, including the departure of its head of AI, Luke Dicken. CEO Strauss Zelnick has expressed a belief that generative AI can aid game development by handling mundane tasks, freeing up creators for more complex work, though he dismisses the idea that it can independently create major titles like Grand Theft Auto 6.
Take-Two has seemingly laid off an unspecified portion of its AI team, including its Head of Artificial Intelligence
Take-Two Interactive has reportedly laid off its Head of Artificial Intelligence, Luke Dicken, and an unspecified portion of its AI team. This comes despite CEO Strauss Zelnick's recent statements about the company actively embracing generative AI and implementing numerous pilot programs across its studios.
"Nothing In Our Games Will Be AI-generated. Ever," Says Warframe Director
Digital Extremes, the developer behind Warframe and the upcoming Soulframe, has stated that no AI-generated content will be used in their games. Community director Megan Everett confirmed this stance during an interview at PAX East 2026, also discussing the new Shadowgrapher update and Warframe's upcoming release on the Nintendo Switch.
Stormgate rushing offline mode after losing server access to an AI company
Frost Giant Studios is urgently implementing an offline mode for its real-time strategy game Stormgate after its multiplayer provider, Hathora, was acquired by an AI company and announced service shutdowns. The acquisition by Fireworks AI means Hathora will cease supporting gaming customers by early May, impacting Stormgate's online play. Frost Giant is working on a patch to enable offline play and is seeking a new partner for future online operations.
"Coin pusher roguelike" Raccoin sells over 100K units on Steam in 24 hours
The coin pusher roguelike Raccoin has achieved over 100,000 unit sales on Steam within its first 24 hours of release. Developed by Doraccoon and published by Playstack, the game combines arcade coin pusher mechanics with roguelike and deckbuilding elements. Separately, Embark Studios released the Flashpoint update for Arc Raiders, which aims to improve the looting experience by prioritizing players with custom loadouts for fresh servers.
The New Divinity Is "Coming Alive," Dev Says
Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke provided an update on the new Divinity game, stating that development is progressing well and the game is starting to 'come alive.' He described a recent discussion with the writing director as a sign of the game's positive momentum. The new Divinity title was announced in December 2025 and is expected to surpass Baldur's Gate 3.
Owlcat uses gen-AI while making The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
Owlcat Games, the developer of The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, has stated that it uses generative AI during the game's development process but not for creating in-game assets. The studio is exploring the ethical boundaries and practical applications of AI in game creation.
Baldur's Gate 3 actor and prominent gen-AI critic Neil Newbon gives Arc Raiders dev "props" for replacing…
Neil Newbon, the actor known for his role as Astarion in Baldur's Gate 3 and a vocal critic of generative AI, has praised Embark Studios for replacing AI-generated voice lines with human performances in their game Arc Raiders. Newbon has consistently advocated for real human performances over AI in video games.
Report: Series Entertainment-owned mobile studio Pixelberry lays off staff
Pixelberry Studios, a mobile game developer owned by Series Entertainment and known for the game Choices, has reportedly laid off an unknown number of employees. This follows a previous round of layoffs in January 2024. The studio's acquisition by Series Entertainment involved integrating their AI-native Rho engine, a development that has been met with developer concern regarding generative AI's impact on the industry.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 Translator Apparently Fired as Dev Pivots to AI
A former translator for Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 developer Warhorse Studios claims they were fired and replaced by generative AI. The translator alleges they were told their job would become obsolete, with creative head Daniel Vavra being a known proponent of AI technology. This incident highlights growing concerns about AI's impact on jobs within the games industry.
Crimson Desert Update Seemingly Replaces AI Artwork
Crimson Desert has received an update that replaces generative AI art assets with new visuals, addressing fan concerns and the developer's own admission of using AI art. Pearl Abyss stated that the AI-generated assets were intended as placeholders and apologized for the lack of transparency. This situation mirrors a similar controversy involving Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
MMO Week in Review: EverQuest’s legacy, Camelot out of chains
This week's MMO news includes Daybreak's announcement of EverQuest Legacy, a spinoff of the classic game, and the surprise early access launch of Camelot Unchained after eight years in beta. Several other MMOs received updates, including V Rising, New World, and EverQuest II, while Epic Games faced significant layoffs due to overspending and a slump in Fortnite's performance.