Video game strike warnings and COD controversy as AI takes over more jobs

Ethical concerns surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry have become a major issue in recent years, and these concerns appear to be growing within the gaming industry.

There's already been an uproar over the lack of protection for AI when it comes to video game voice actors, but a new report highlights how many studios are adopting AI tools at the expense of developers' jobs.

Rising development costs and reduced demand following the pandemic have already seen a wave of layoffs in the industry in recent years, with some studios such as Activision Blizzard said to be cutting staff while pushing ahead with their use of AI.

In a report by Wired , several developers explain how AI is squeezing their industry, primarily affecting artists and graphic designers.

Regarding layoffs at Activision in January this year, a developer at the studio who goes by the alias Noah said: “A lot of our 2D artists were let go. The concept artists that stayed behind were forced to use AI to help them with their work.”

Noah claims that after the layoffs, Activision began outsourcing “almost all of its art” assets to third-party companies because “our in-house art just couldn't keep up,” with some of the outside studios even employing AI-generated art.

Activision's use of AI apparently dates back to last year, with reports claiming that Activision sold AI-generated cosmetics for Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The article doesn't say which cosmetics these were actually, but it does link to the Yokai's Wrath bundle, which was released in December 2023.

Another developer who has worked in AAA development for decades and goes by the pen name Violet said: “From an AI perspective, different parts of the industry are being swallowed up by other parts. Why hire expensive concept artists and designers when you can have an art director give the AI ​​wrong instructions, get something of good enough quality very quickly, and have a couple of artists sort it out?”

Activision Blizzard has not commented on the matter, but Riot Games said it has a team “researching AI tools that have the potential to enhance player experiences in ways that align with our values. We recognize that AI is a complex issue, and we intend to be transparent with our players about our intentions.”

All of the artists and designers featured in the article are opposed to the use of AI in their work, but hope the issue will raise awareness of unions.

Recently, the Screen Actors Guild of America (SAG-AFTRA), the union that led last year's actors and writers strike in Hollywood, authorized a strike against voice actors against game studios and publishers who oppose AI content.