Artificial intelligence is simplifying various tasks, and its application is spreading across many industries. The gaming industry is also utilizing AI, as indicated by a recent Google Cloud survey, which found that 87% of game developers are employing AI agents to streamline and automate processes. This is particularly important as the gaming industry focuses on cost-cutting measures after recent layoffs.
AI helps automate tedious tasks, enabling developers to focus on more creative aspects of game development. Gaming publishers are turning to AI to tackle industry challenges like increasing costs and longer development cycles, prompted by the demands of gamers and the need to stay competitive. The study by Google and The Harris Poll surveyed 615 game developers from South Korea, the United States, Finland, Norway, and Sweden from the end of June to the start of July.
Approximately 44% of developers use AI agents to optimize content and speed up the processing of information such as text, code, voice, audio, and video. However, the integration of AI in video games is a contentious topic, with concerns about job losses, intellectual property issues, and potential salary reductions within the gaming community.
Last year, video game performers in Hollywood protested against AI’s impact and wage-related issues, leading to studio shutdowns and the loss of over 10,000 jobs. The gaming industry is predicted to grow this year and next, due to the release of premium titles and new consoles, which should increase spending. The survey also showed that 94% of developers believe AI will reduce the overall development costs in the long term.