The gaming {industry} is experimenting with AI sooner 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.
Nevertheless, a rising variety of professionals consider the know-how is in the end doing extra hurt than good, notably at a time when layoffs proceed to shake the gaming {industry}.
The findings come from the 2026 State of the Sport Business report, launched by organizers of the Sport 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 aspects promised by synthetic intelligence and actual fears about job safety, artistic erosion, and long-term impression.
AI adoption rises as job insecurity deepens
In response to the report, 52% of sport {industry} professionals now consider generative AI is dangerous for the {industry}, up from 30% final yr. Solely 7% assume AI is having a constructive impression, a quantity that has steadily declined over the previous two years.
Layoffs stay a defining challenge. 28% of respondents stated they have been laid off previously 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 sport {industry} professionals now use generative AI instruments as a part of their job. Utilization varies broadly relying on function. Solely 30% of individuals working at sport studios reported utilizing AI, in comparison with 58% of these in publishing, advertising and marketing, PR, and assist roles.
Why sport builders are rising cautious of AI instruments
Even inside huge studios like EA, builders report that AI instruments may cause extra bother than assist, forcing artists and designers to appropriate “hallucinated” or damaged property.
Many additionally fear that by doing so, the are successfully coaching the very programs they worry would possibly change them sooner or later. Extra not too long ago, Meta laid off a whole bunch of workers from its metaverse division, together with groups engaged on its digital actuality video games.
This rising skepticism means that whereas AI is turning into more durable to keep away from, belief in its function inside sport improvement is quickly eroding.
