The video game industry has faced a challenging year, with studio closures and job insecurity being major concerns for developers. A recent report from the Game Developers Conference (GDC) reveals that 52% of surveyed devs are using generative AI in their games, but many express concerns about its impact on the industry.
According to the “State of the Game Industry” report, half of respondents feel concerned about the technology’s effects, while an increasing number report feeling negatively about AI overall. The survey also shows that 30% of developers feel negatively about AI, up from 18% last year.
While some see AI as a tool to help with tasks such as coding and concept art, many respondents believe it is not replacing human work but rather causing stress and long working hours. In fact, 13% of respondents reported putting in over 51-hour weeks, up from 8% last year.
The issue of layoffs remains a significant problem, with one in 10 developers having lost their jobs over the past year. Many struggle to find new employment, with some reporting difficulty finding work after sending hundreds of job applications.
Developers point to various issues contributing to the industry’s problems, including over-expansion, unrealistic expectations on game success, and poor leadership and mismanagement. The adoption of AI technology has only added to their concerns, as many feel it is not being used to alleviate workload but rather to exacerbate stress and uncertainty.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/video-game-industry-artificial-intelligence-developers