Astounded by the prevalence of artificial intelligence in video game development
The use of generative AI in video games has experienced a significant surge in recent years, particularly between 2024 and 2025. According to a report by Totally Human Media, nearly 20% of new game releases on Steam now incorporate generative AI technologies, with over 5,500 games and expansions using AI-generated content such as 3D models, music, dialogue, and code.
This expansion includes significant participation from independent developers who leverage AI to reduce costs and accelerate production. The benefits of generative AI in gaming are manifold. It enables faster content creation, reducing development timelines, and making high-quality game development more accessible to smaller studios. It empowers the creation of more dynamic, replayable, and content-rich experiences that meet growing player demands. Moreover, it boosts marketing strategies, enhancing game discovery and player engagement through influencer content and authentic user-generated videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
However, controversies and challenges persist around the increased use of generative AI. Ethical concerns over authenticity and fears of art theft or uncredited AI-generated content are common among developers and players. Approximately 30% of developers view generative AI as harmful, particularly due to potential job displacement and impacts on workforce dynamics. The industry faces tension between embracing efficiency gains and addressing players’ and creators’ expectations for transparency and trust in AI usage. Calls for clear communication and transparency about AI contributions in game development aim to mitigate backlash and build trust with consumers.
The global AI in gaming market is forecast to grow substantially, from about $7 billion in 2025 to nearly $38 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of around 20.5%. North America currently leads this growth, due partly to its strong tech ecosystem and early adoption of AI technologies.
Notable games disclosing AI use include My Summer Car, Liar's Bar, and The Quinfall. GenAI Roguelite, a text-based RPG, was entirely generated by AI: every location, NPC, and game mechanic. Some players are okay with minor uses of AI as long as it's not for core assets. For instance, the chaotic outcomes and random nature of GenAI Roguelite appeal to some players.
However, some gamers question why they should pay for a game made with AI, while others argue that boycotting all use of AI may leave them only with retro game consoles. Steam has added an AI disclosure tag, allowing players to make informed choices about the games they play.
The number of games on Steam that disclose the use of generative AI has risen by 700% in a year, from around 1,000 games a year ago to almost 8,000 now. If starting out in game design, consider the best game development software and laptops for game development.
Reaction to the report among gamers on Reddit is mixed, with some expressing disappointment at indie developers using AI instead of human artists, while others recognize the complexity of different forms and uses of AI. As the use of generative AI in video games continues to evolve, so too will the debates on ethics, job security, and consumer trust within the industry.
- Independent developers are leveraging AI technology to reduce costs and accelerate production in game design, creating a surge in the use of generative AI.
- With the growth of AI in gaming, concerns over authenticity and fears of art theft or uncredited content have arisen, with about 30% of developers viewing it as harmful.
- The global AI in gaming market is forecast to grow from about $7 billion in 2025 to nearly $38 billion by 2034, driven partly by the strong tech ecosystem in North America.
- Notable games disclosing AI use include My Summer Car, Liar's Bar, The Quinfall, and GenAI Roguelite, which was entirely generated by AI: every location, NPC, and game mechanic.
- Reaction to the increased use of generative AI in video games on platforms like Reddit is mixed, with some expressing disappointment at the use of AI instead of human artists while others recognize the complexity of AI.
- As the use of generative AI in video games continues to evolve, so too will debates on ethics, job security, and consumer trust within the industry, requiring transparency and clear communication for building trust with consumers.
