Retrospective Analysis of the Games Industry's Turbulent Year with AI

The games industry in 2025 was dominated by headlines about AI, with its impact felt across every aspect of the tech industry. Despite its potential to bring about greater efficiencies and new ideas, AI has also sparked intense debate and criticism. Proponents of AI point to its ability to speed up processes and allow for the emergence of new concepts, while detractors raise concerns about ethical issues, energy consumption, job threats, and the potential to undermine the craft of game development. Throughout the year, companies such as Atelico, Uthana, and Razer announced their AI-enabled products and collaborations, with several major games companies, including Roblox and Krafton, embracing the technology. However, not all companies are on board, with some, like Neon Giant, choosing to distance themselves from AI-first policies. The use of AI in game development has also raised questions about copyright, with the US Copyright Office confirming that unless an author or artist contributes to the creative process of generative AI, it cannot be protected by copyright. As the industry moves into 2026, it is clear that public perception of AI remains largely negative, with concerns about job replacement, exploitation, and the devaluation of human creativity. Despite this, many companies remain committed to AI adoption, with some, like Epic Games, seeing it as a key part of their future development plans. The year ahead is likely to be marked by continued debate and experimentation with AI, as the industry navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by this rapidly evolving technology.