Many Developers Believe Generative AI Could Harm the Gaming Industry
As generative AI continues to make its mark on game development, a recent survey reveals that many developers are increasingly skeptical about its impact on the industry. The latest findings from a survey conducted by the Game Developers Conference show that 52 percent of respondents believe generative AI is negatively affecting the gaming landscape, while only 7 percent see it in a positive light. This negative sentiment has surged over the years; in 2024, just 18 percent viewed the technology unfavorably, which rose to 30 percent in 2025, and now it has crossed the halfway mark.
The survey gathered insights from 2,300 professionals in the gaming sector, predominantly male (64 percent), white (67 percent), and based in the U.S. (54 percent). The organizers acknowledge that this demographic is not fully representative of the global gaming community, indicating that more work is needed to capture a broader perspective.
Despite the mixed feelings about AI, the results shed light on developers’ perspectives, contrasting with the positive rhetoric from leaders at major companies. When it comes to actual usage, 36 percent of respondents reported incorporating generative AI into their work, while 64 percent do not. Among those who do use it, the majority apply the technology for research and brainstorming (81 percent) and administrative tasks like email management (47 percent). Some developers also utilize AI for more technical tasks, such as prototyping (35 percent), testing or debugging (22 percent), and asset generation (19 percent). However, only 5 percent reported using generative AI for features that directly interact with players.
Another significant issue highlighted in the survey is the ongoing wave of layoffs and studio closures that have plagued the industry in recent years. In the 2025 survey, 10 percent of developers indicated they had been laid off within the past year. This year, that figure rose to 17 percent, with a staggering 28 percent having faced layoffs in the last two years. This climate of uncertainty has led 23 percent of respondents to anticipate further layoffs in the coming year, while 30 percent remain unsure.
The survey also included feedback from over 100 educators and 50 students, revealing a similarly bleak outlook. Sixty percent of those surveyed believe the current state of the industry will hinder new students from securing jobs. One anonymous educator from Michigan expressed concern, stating, “Most of my students will not have a career in game development.”
The Game Developers Conference is set to begin on March 9th in San Francisco, and it’s expected that these pressing issues will be at the forefront of discussions throughout the event.
