Gaming industry has embraced AI, but most game developers still think it’s bad

[ad_1] The gaming {industry} is experimenting with AI quicker than ever, however it's doing so beneath a cloud of hysteria. A brand new industry-wide report reveals that whereas builders and studios are actively utilizing generative AI instruments of their each day work.

Nonetheless, a rising variety of professionals consider the expertise is in the end doing extra hurt than good, significantly at a time when layoffs proceed to shake the gaming {industry}.

The findings come from the 2026 State of the Recreation Business report, launched by organizers of the Recreation Builders Convention and based mostly on responses from greater than 2,300 {industry} professionals throughout roles and disciplines.

The report paints an image of an {industry} caught between effectivity positive factors promised by synthetic intelligence and actual fears about job safety, artistic erosion, and long-term influence.

AI adoption rises as job insecurity deepens

Based on the report, 52% of recreation {industry} professionals now consider generative AI is dangerous for the {industry}, up from 30% final 12 months. Solely 7% assume AI is having a optimistic influence, a quantity that has steadily declined over the previous two years.

Layoffs stay a defining concern. 28% of respondents stated they had been laid off up to now two years, a determine that climbs to 33% amongst US-based employees. Half of respondents additionally stated their present or most up-to-date employer carried out layoffs within the final 12 months, underscoring how widespread the disruption has been.

Regardless of the uncertainty, 36% of recreation {industry} professionals now use generative AI instruments as a part of their job. Utilization varies extensively relying on position. Solely 30% of individuals working at recreation studios reported utilizing AI, in comparison with 58% of these in publishing, advertising, PR, and assist roles.

Why recreation builders are rising cautious of AI instruments

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Even inside massive studios like EA, builders report that AI instruments could cause extra hassle than assist, forcing artists and designers to right “hallucinated” or damaged belongings.

Many additionally fear that by doing so, the are successfully coaching the very programs they worry would possibly substitute them sooner or later. Extra just lately, Meta laid off a whole lot of staff from its metaverse division, together with groups engaged on its digital actuality video games.

This rising skepticism means that whereas AI is changing into tougher to keep away from, belief in its position inside recreation growth is quickly eroding.