According to a new report from game engine maker Unity, while AI may currently carry a negative connotation, as many as 62 percent of studios use AI at some point during game development. This finding shows that more development studios are adopting AI tools to increase efficiency and save time.
According to the report, the average time for game releases in 2022 stood at 218 days, whereas it has now risen to 304 days. 71 percent of surveyed studios noted that implementing artificial intelligence enhanced their efficiency and shortened the time to launch. The primary objectives of integrating artificial intelligence into game development include enhancing character animations, automating code writing processes, generating artwork and levels, writing narratives and game designs, as well as automating game testing.
As we mentioned, the main reason for using AI is to reduce the time required for prototyping. According to the report, 68 percent of surveyed developers highlighted the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate prototyping. In 2023, 96 percent of studios were able to complete prototyping in three months or less, up from 85 percent a year earlier when the process took longer.
Another domain where artificial intelligence finds application is in world-building, utilized by 56 percent of studios. Within this percentage, 64 percent employ AI for crafting NPCs to inhabit these worlds. However, are there legitimate concerns regarding the adoption of artificial intelligence? According to Unity's report, 43 percent of developers are hesitant to use AI; while interested, they cite time constraints. Additionally, 24 percent lack the requisite technical expertise. The rest of the respondents were either unaware of the possibilities of AI or did not know its purpose.
Unity's AI adoption survey scores slightly higher than a recent GDC survey as reported by EuroGamer, which covered not only developers but also employees across the industry. Overall, 31 percent of industry workers used generative AI tools, with 44 percent of those in business and finance jobs. According to the GDC survey, developers involved in narrative, art and quality assurance were more likely to express a negative view of AI's impact on the industry, while employees in business, marketing and programming jobs were more likely to have a positive view.
English (UK) 
Hrvatski