A recent survey has revealed that 36% of game developers are incorporating generative AI into their work, despite a growing negative perception of the technology in 2025.
The survey data, gathered from over 3,000 participants at the Game Developers Conference, highlights a significant uptick in the utilization of generative AI compared to the previous year. Specifically, 36% of developers reported using generative AI in their projects, marking a five-point increase from 2024.
Among the developers utilizing generative AI, 51% are in business and finance roles, 41% are involved in production and team leadership, and 39% work in community, marketing, and PR departments.
Despite the increasing adoption of AI, sentiments towards its use have become more pessimistic. Only 13% of respondents believe AI has a positive impact, while 30% perceive it as negative. This marks a 12-point rise in negativity compared to 2024, with a corresponding eight-point decrease in positive perceptions.
Common concerns among developers regarding AI include intellectual property theft, energy consumption, quality of AI-generated content, potential biases, and regulatory issues. While the use of AI is on the rise, it remains non-compulsory in the majority of development studios, with only 9% reporting mandatory usage.
Furthermore, 35% of respondents indicated that AI tools are optional, while 16% stated that the use of any AI tools is prohibited. Notably, AAA studios are leading in regulating the use of generative AI, with a 78% increase year over year.
The integration of generative AI in video game development has sparked controversy, with instances such as Sandfall Interactive losing an award and Larian CEO facing backlash for using AI in concept art creation for Divinity. However, some industry voices, like Razer’s CEO Min-Liang Tan, believe that gamers will eventually embrace AI in gaming for enhanced game development.
Despite differing opinions within the industry, the overall sentiment on the impact of generative AI remains divided among developers as they navigate the evolving landscape of technology in gaming.