Artificial intelligence is streamlining tasks across various industries, with the gaming sector increasingly leveraging its capabilities. A recent Google Cloud survey indicates that 87% of game developers are now utilizing AI agents to automate and streamline tasks. This shift comes as the gaming industry focuses on reducing costs, especially after significant layoffs.
AI is proving instrumental in automating repetitive tasks, enabling developers to concentrate on more creative aspects of game development. Game publishers are turning to AI to address industry-wide challenges such as rising costs and lengthy creation cycles, driven by the need to meet the expectations of gaming enthusiasts and the pressures of intense competition. The study, conducted by Google and The Harris Poll, surveyed 615 game developers from South Korea, the United States, Finland, Norway, and Sweden between late June and early July.
The study reveals that approximately 44% of developers use AI agents to optimize content and accelerate the processing of information, including text, code, voice, audio, and video. However, the integration of AI in video games remains a controversial topic, sparking concerns about job displacement, intellectual property disputes, and potential wage reductions within the gaming industry.
Last year, Hollywood video game performers went on strike over AI and wage-related issues, leading to studio closures and the loss of over 10,000 jobs. The gaming industry is projected to experience growth this year and the next, fueled by premium title releases and the launch of new consoles, which are expected to increase spending. According to the survey, 94% of developers anticipate that AI will reduce overall development costs in the long run.