Unless you’ve had a tough life over the past few years, you’re probably aware that game development as a career is currently in a bit of a crisis. There may be more games on store shelves than ever before, but that means competition is fiercer and fiercer than ever before, and the slightest thing can cost thousands of jobs.
But other than layoffs, perhaps the biggest topic in game development right now is generative AI and how to use it. In GDC’s latest survey, more than 50% of respondents say their organization or department uses generative AI, and 80% of respondents who use AI say it is primarily used for brainstorming/research.
52% of employees (the same number who say their company uses AI) say the technology is bad for their industry. This is up from 30% last year and just 18% the year before. “Generative AI tools are beneficial for certain non-creative tasks that improve efficiency and streamline workflows. However, their use in creative processes or player-facing content is strongly discouraged due to ethical, legal, environmental, and reputational concerns.” This is the answer GDC’s own internal AI tool gave when asked if gaming professionals should use genAI.
Elsewhere in the report, we find that 31% of non-US-based workers have canceled their travel plans to the US due to the current administration. With President Trump’s borders feeling tighter than ever, 60% of non-U.S. companies said their ability or willingness to work with U.S. companies has been affected by immigration policy.
