In the evolving landscape of game development, the integration of generative AI and advanced chatbots has sparked a fervent discussion about the ethical implications of their use. However, when viewed through a pragmatic, business-oriented lens, the conversation takes on a different hue. A recent analysis by market data analyst Ross Burton, featured on Game Oracle, sheds light on the actual impact of AI in the gaming industry.
AI Usage in Game Development
Burton’s research examined a substantial sample of 9,879 games released between January and October 2025, meticulously filtering out spam, purely commercial titles, and free-to-play games. This careful selection process, while comprehensive, may have inadvertently excluded notable free-to-play titles that have faced scrutiny for undisclosed AI art usage, such as FragPunk. Among the analyzed games, a notable 17.9% openly acknowledged their use of AI technology.
Despite initial skepticism regarding AI’s role as a mere tool, the narrative has shifted significantly since 2025. Titles like Clair Obscur garnered game of the year accolades last year, leveraging AI-generated placeholders to enhance their development process. Similarly, Crimson Desert has achieved impressive sales figures this year, also utilizing AI in its creation. Yet, in the case of the new Crazy Taxi, it appears that discussions surrounding the developer’s AI usage have overshadowed the game itself, highlighting the ongoing tension between innovation and public perception.
The situation is further complicated by the prevalence of undisclosed AI applications within the industry. High-profile figures, such as Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, have voiced their opposition to the necessity of disclaimers regarding AI use. This sentiment reflects a broader trend among major studios, which continue to invest heavily in AI technologies. Just days ago, Sony emphasized the potential of AI tools to “unleash the creativity of studios,” suggesting that the findings from Burton’s analysis may not herald an immediate shift in industry practices.
