Editorial illustration for Half of developers view generative AI as harmful; only 36% use it
Developers Split on Generative AI's Impact & Adoption
Half of developers view generative AI as harmful; only 36% use it
Half of the developers polled think generative AI is a net negative for games, yet the technology still finds a foothold in daily workflows. The survey, conducted among industry professionals, split opinion almost evenly: one side warns of creative dilution and potential job displacement, while the other points to efficiency gains. Critics cite concerns over originality and the risk of over‑reliance on algorithmic suggestions, especially in narrative‑driven titles.
Proponents, however, argue that AI can accelerate early‑stage concept work and free up time for polishing core mechanics. This tension raises a simple question: how many of those developers actually lean on the tools they’re debating? The answer, drawn from the same data set, shows a clear gap between perception and practice.
As for how much the gen AI is actually being used in the industry, 36 percent of those surveyed said they utilize it as part of their jobs, while 64 percent said they don't. The majority of those who do use gen AI said they use the tech for research and brainstorming (81 percent), as well as administrative tasks like email (47 percent). But some did admit to using AI for more development-oriented tasks, including prototyping (35 percent), testing or debugging (22 percent), and asset generation (19 percent).
Only 5 percent of that group said they use gen AI on "player-facing features." The other major topic broached in the survey was the persistent layoffs and studio closures that have ravaged the industry over the last few years. In the 2025 survey, one in 10 developers said they had been laid off within the last year. This year, the numbers were similar, with 17 percent of respondents saying they had been laid off in the last 12 months, while a whopping 28 percent had been laid off within the last two years.
Naturally, this had led to an aura of uncertainty; 23 percent of those surveyed said that they expected more layoffs in the next year, while 30 percent are unsure. The survey also questioned a small number of those in the educational space -- more than 100 educators and 50 students, according to GDC -- and unsurprisingly the outlook isn't very positive.
The survey paints a cautious picture. Over half of respondents—52 percent—label generative AI’s effect on games as negative, while only a single‑digit share, 7 percent, see it as positive. That contrast has widened sharply; in 2024 just 18 percent viewed the technology favorably, suggesting a shift in sentiment that warrants further scrutiny.
Yet adoption figures tell a more nuanced story. Only 36 percent of developers report using generative AI in their daily work, leaving a clear majority, 64 percent, outside its current workflow. Among the users, a strong majority—81 percent—cite research, brainstorming and administrative tasks as their primary applications, indicating that the technology is being leveraged more for support functions than for core creative output.
It is unclear whether these limited use cases will expand into deeper design or programming roles, or whether the prevailing skepticism will dampen broader integration. The data underscores a divide between perception and practice, and highlights the need for ongoing observation before drawing firm conclusions about generative AI’s long‑term role in game development.
Further Reading
- AI | 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey - Stack Overflow
- Artificial Intelligence - The State of Developer Ecosystem in 2023 - JetBrains
- Survey: Generative AI's Uptake Is Unprecedented Despite Roadblocks - Bain & Company
- Hype or not? AI's benefits for developers explored in the 2023 Developer Survey - Stack Overflow Blog
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Common Questions Answered
How are game developers currently using generative AI in their work?
According to the survey, 36% of developers are using generative AI, primarily for research and brainstorming (81%) and administrative tasks like email (47%). Some developers are also using AI for more technical tasks such as prototyping (35%) and testing or debugging (22%).
What is the current sentiment among developers regarding generative AI's impact on the game industry?
The survey reveals a growing pessimism about generative AI, with 52% of developers viewing its impact as negative and only 7% seeing it positively. This represents a significant shift from 2024, when 18% of developers viewed the technology favorably, indicating increasing skepticism about AI's role in game development.
In which departments are generative AI tools most frequently used?
According to the survey, generative AI use is highest in Business & Finance (50% of respondents), followed by Production & Team Leadership and Community, Marketing, & PR (40% each). Developers in other departments reported lower rates of AI tool adoption, suggesting the technology is primarily being used in administrative and management roles.