Game Developers Divided on Generative AI's Role
Many developers anticipate generative AI impacting team sizes and roles within three years. However, a significant portion of the industry, particularly indies, express strong aversion due to ethical and creative concerns. While some executives see AI as a crucial tool, many studios and players remain skeptical of its widespread adoption.
Coverage across 6 outlets
Developers expect generative AI to impact roles and team sizes in the next three years
A survey of 100 Gamescom Dev speakers indicates that 83 percent expect generative AI to impact team sizes and productivity within the next three years. While 36 percent believe AI will change roles rather than reduce teams, 33 percent anticipate smaller team sizes. Companies like Capcom and Owlcat Games are exploring genAI for production speed, though backlash has occurred for studios like Pearl Abyss, Ubisoft, and 11 Bit Studios regarding disclosure.
"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.
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.
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.
CD Projekt boss "knows for a fact" a surge of games made purely with generative AI are coming, but doubts "whether this is really the path to follow"
CD Projekt joint CEO Michał Nowakowski believes games made purely with generative AI are inevitable but expresses doubts about this being the optimal development path. He suggests studios should focus on being 'lean and cheap' to navigate the increasingly competitive market, while acknowledging the potential of AI integration in tools like Unreal Engine 6.
Palworld Developer Doesn’t Use Generative AI Because “Gamers Don’t Want It”
Pocketpair's John Buckley stated that the company does not use generative AI in game development because players are against it, calling current trends unsustainable. He believes that games should be assumed to be human-made unless otherwise stated, and expressed concern over a future where studios might need to add disclaimers. Buckley also mentioned that while some studios might use AI to save time, Pocketpair prefers to utilize its in-house artists.
Why so many game developers don't want to use generative AI
Many game developers express strong reservations about using generative AI, citing ethical concerns, environmental impact, copyright issues, and job security risks. Despite some executives championing AI as a tool for efficiency, a significant portion of the industry views it as unproven, potentially harmful to creativity, and undesirable by players.
Two More High-Profile Games Say No To GenAI
Developers IO Interactive have confirmed that their upcoming James Bond title, 007: First Light, will not utilize generative AI technologies. This decision follows a similar stance from the developers of Subnautica 2, indicating a growing trend among studios to avoid AI in game creation.
Witcher 3 Director Says Studios Should Embrace GenAI, But Not To Replace People
The Witcher 3 game director Konrad Tomaszkiewicz stated that game studios should embrace generative AI to assist developers, not replace them. His studio, Rebel Wolves, used AI for early voice work in The Blood of Dawnwalker but confirmed no AI-generated assets will be in the final game. The discussion also touched on the controversial use of AI in other titles like Crimson Desert and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
“Not even the littlest bit": GTA 6 CEO doesn't think genAI will level the playing field for smaller devs
Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick believes generative AI tools will not significantly level the playing field for smaller game developers, arguing that creating hits requires more than just asset generation. While acknowledging AI's potential for assisting in areas like storyboarding, he asserts that large-scale success still depends on human creativity and engagement, a sentiment echoed by Rockstar Games regarding Grand Theft Auto 6 development.
Video Game Developers Can No Longer Ignore Gamer’s Desires
Generative AI is transforming game development by empowering players with greater agency in creation, from shaping narratives to designing characters and environments. This shift moves players from passive consumers to active collaborators, leading to more personalized and original gaming experiences. Titles like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls already showcase evolving stories influenced by player actions, with companies like GoodAI focusing on AI-driven character creation.
