“Generative AI will change the video game industry as we know it.” It’s a promise made by GenAI companies, investors, and early adopters of this latest advancement in game technology. Studios are investing millions into new tech, experts, and resources to bring about the next era in game creation and automation. But what do game developers want to do with it?
We took a deeper look at our 2024 State of the Game Industry data and written opinions, to figure out where game developers see value in Generative AI implementation in their work—and where they want their studios to avoid it.
Download GDC's latest report to get a behind-the-scenes look at what game developers think about Generative AI: Its potential, its obstacles, and how it is currently being used.
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Differing Opinions on Generative AI
"Like many new technologies, I believe they are not inherently good or bad. It’s how we use them that makes them useful or dangerous." — SOTI 2024 respondent
Before diving into what developers want from Generative AI, we should acknowledge that the game developer community is not in agreement about what role GenAI should play in the space.
In the 2024 State of the Game Industry report, 84% of developers said they have moderate or serious ethical concerns about Generative AI, including Intellectual Property (IP) theft, job automation, loss of creative freedom, and layoffs. There are many factors that go into developer support vs. hesitation for GenAI technology. These include age, geographic location, job role, and the type of company they work for.
That said, almost half of game developers said GenAI tools were being used at their companies, and that number has likely increased since then. These tools are part of the game industry, and have the potential to help shape it for years to come. It’s up to team leaders and studios to recognize developer concerns and find ways to address them without sacrificing overall production.
Other key highlights include:
- Adoption - Over 30% of game developers say they’re using Generative AI tools on the job, and others have expressed interest in adopting these tools.
- Regional Differences - East Asian studios are more receptive to Generative AI: 70% of Asian studios use the tools, compared to 42% of developers in North America.
- Uses & Cautions – While there are opportunities for GenAI in level design, NPCs, and procedural generation, some argue it should only be used as an assistance tool, not as a replacement for creative roles.
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