Artificial intelligence is transforming how we work, with its applications spreading across various industries. The gaming sector is increasingly integrating AI, as evidenced by a recent Google Cloud survey, which showed that 87% of game developers are using AI agents for automation and streamlining. This adoption is particularly relevant as the gaming industry seeks ways to reduce costs, especially after recent workforce reductions.
AI is helping to automate repetitive tasks, allowing developers to dedicate more time to creative development. Gaming publishers are turning to AI to tackle industry-wide issues like growing costs and extended development cycles, which are driven by the expectations of gaming fans and the pressures of competition. The survey, carried out by Google and The Harris Poll, gathered insights from 615 game developers in South Korea, the United States, Finland, Norway, and Sweden between late June and early July.
The survey indicates that about 44% of developers use AI agents for content optimization and faster processing of information like text, code, voice, audio, and video. However, the use of AI in video games is a subject of debate, generating worries about job losses, intellectual property conflicts, and potential wage reductions within the gaming sector.
Last year, video game performers in Hollywood went on strike regarding AI and compensation matters, which resulted in studio shutdowns and over 10,000 job losses. The gaming industry is projected to see growth this year and next, with spending expected to rise due to premium game releases and new console launches. The survey revealed that 94% of developers believe AI will contribute to reduced overall development costs in the long run.