The video game industry is experiencing significant strife, with a new survey indicating that many developers are becoming increasingly frustrated with their workplaces’ emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). A report released by the Game Developers Conference shows that 52% of surveyed developers work for companies that are utilizing generative AI technologies, but nearly half expressed concerns about AI’s negative impact on the industry.
Over the past year, the industry has faced studio closures and escalating layoffs, contributing to a troubling atmosphere for many developers. Even amidst the success of popular titles such as Astro Bot and Helldivers 2, major studios like Microsoft and Sony have cut staff and canceled projects.
The survey results highlight a growing skepticism among developers regarding AI. In total, 30% of respondents reported feeling negatively about AI, a rise from 18% the previous year, while only 13% believed AI positively influenced game development—a drop from 21% in 2024. Many developers worry that AI cannot replace human workers, with one participant lamenting that despite having a PhD in AI, their contributions have been naively utilized.
While there is some recognition of AI’s potential to assist in tasks like coding and conceptual art, developers reported that the predominant sentiment surrounding its utility was that there should be "none" in the industry. The promise of AI functioning as a tool to ease workloads has not materialized; instead, many developers find themselves working longer hours than before.
The layoffs from last year still loom large, with one in ten developers having faced job loss. Ex-employees report difficulty in securing new positions, with some citing it took them over a year to land new jobs. Developers highlight ongoing issues within the industry, blaming poor leadership, unrealistic expectations of success, and over-expansion during the pandemic as contributing factors to their struggles.
As the industry grapples with these challenges, calls for improved practices and worker retention continue to resonate among developers. Many believe there is a dire need for more realistic goal-setting and a reevaluation of how AI is integrated into game development processes.
