AI Dominated the Developer Conference, But Not in the Games Themselves

AI was a hot topic at this year’s GDC Festival of Gaming, with vendors showcasing generative AI tools designed for creating AI-driven NPCs and even entire games through simple chat interfaces. I spent some time on the show floor testing a demo of a pixel-art fantasy world crafted using Tencent’s AI technology. During a session with Razer, I observed an AI assistant for quality assurance that automatically logged issues in a shooter game. The event featured numerous discussions on AI, including a packed presentation by researchers from Google DeepMind about playable AI-generated environments.

However, one notable absence was AI in the games themselves. Most developers I chatted with at the conference expressed strong reservations about incorporating AI into their projects. Gabriel Paquette, the developer behind The Melty Way, shared, “I feel like the human mind is so beautiful. Why not use it?”

This sentiment was echoed by many, particularly indie developers, who largely rejected AI, arguing that it undermines the human touch in game development. This skepticism aligns with a recent GDC survey revealing that 52 percent of respondents believe generative AI negatively impacts the gaming industry, a significant increase from 30 percent in 2025 and 18 percent in 2024. Some indie developers even emphasize that their games are “AI free.” The backlash against Nvidia’s DLSS 5, which showcased AI-generated faces that detracted from recognizable characters, likely further dissuades smaller developers from embracing the technology.

Proponents of generative AI in gaming argue it could benefit both developers and players. In an optimistic scenario, developers might leverage AI for tasks like debugging and idea generation, while players could customize their gaming experiences. Jack Buser, a Google Cloud executive with nearly 30 years in the industry, claims generative AI represents “the largest transformation in the games industry I have ever witnessed.”

Yet, for many creators, the narrative shifts. Adam and Rebekah Saltsman, cofounders of the indie studio Finji, known for titles like Tunic and Chicory: A Colorful Tale, emphasize that their games reflect the unique touch of individual creators. They believe this handmade quality introduces an element of surprise. Rebekah noted, “You can show people what it is, but you are going to break all of their expectations when they go and play it.” When asked if they would consider using generative AI, their response was a firm no. “Absolutely not,” Adam stated.

Developers expressed that AI-generated games currently lack the depth and feel of human-made creations. Abby Howard from Black Tabby Games, the studio behind Slay the Princess, remarked that audiences “don’t connect” with generative AI, describing it as generic and cheap. Rebekah bluntly stated that generative AI “just looks like crap.” Matthew Jackson, working on the comedy game My Arms Are Longer Now, added that “AI is so not funny.”

Legal challenges also loom over the potential sale of games created with generative AI. Beyond concerns about AI’s environmental impact and the data it uses, the Saltsmans pointed out the absence of a legal framework for selling AI-generated content, especially since AI-generated art cannot be copyrighted.

Finji isn’t alone in its stance against generative AI. Panic, the publisher behind Untitled Goose Game, has no interest in AI-generated products, according to cofounder Cabel Sasser. BigMode, founded by Jason Gastrow (videogamedunkey), requires developers to confirm their games are human-made and free of generative AI. Even Hasbro, which is venturing into video game development, has stated it won’t use AI in its processes.

A recurring theme in my discussions at GDC was that generative AI detracts from the artistry of game development. Tony Howard-Arias from Black Tabby Games emphasized that improvement comes from the dedicated craft of creating games. Adam highlighted how coding can enhance game design, noting that complex programming often leads to better player experiences. Alex Schleifer, cofounder of Human Computer, expressed that the joy of game creation itself fosters innovative ideas.

Concerns also exist that AI tools could displace human jobs, reducing opportunities in an industry already facing layoffs and making it harder for new developers to break in. Despite the promised efficiency gains, replacing humans with AI raises questions about future talent acquisition.

Currently, developers believe that crafting games by hand fosters a deeper human connection. “We tell human stories,” Rebekah said, reflecting on the countless hours spent creating experiences for players they may never meet. This connection is central to their passion for game development.

Some indie developers remain open to the idea that generative AI could eventually play a role in game development. The film and TV industry is already seeing companies create custom AI models for production, hinting at a possible future for AI in gaming. Paquette suggested that acceptance of AI might grow over time, but for now, he prefers to focus on “100 percent” handcrafted work, which he holds dear.