GDC Survey Reveals Majority of Game Developers View GenAI as Harmful

GDC’s 2026 Report Reveals Growing Concerns Over Generative AI Tools in Game Development

The recently released 2026 State of the Game Industry report by GDC has brought to light some interesting insights gathered from surveys conducted with numerous game developers. One of the key findings in this year’s report is the increasing dissatisfaction with generative AI tools among developers. For the first time, a majority of 52% expressed negative sentiments towards GenAI, a significant jump from 30% in 2025 and 18% in 2024.

Despite the shift in opinions, there doesn’t seem to be a corresponding change in the adoption of GenAI technology. The survey revealed that 52% of respondents or someone in their company used these tools, while 35% reported not using them, mirroring the 2025 survey results. However, the number of developers who view GenAI positively has dwindled from 13% in 2025 to a mere 7% in 2026.

While some companies have embraced AI technology, mandatory AI usage policies remain a minority practice, with only 6% of respondents stating its enforced deployment in their workplace. In contrast, 28% indicated that GenAI use is entirely optional, 22% mentioned a selective approach allowing some tools while banning others, and 16% admitted to a complete ban on the technology.

The divergence in approaches towards GenAI is evident across different companies, with some fully integrating AI in their projects while others refrain from its use. However, for those who harbor skepticism towards GenAI, the survey results offer a glimmer of hope for its eventual decline in the industry.

On a more somber note, the report also sheds light on the grim reality of job losses within the game development sector. One in four games workers reported being laid off in the past two years, primarily due to studio or department closures. Furthermore, 48% of those who were laid off are still struggling to secure new employment, adding to the uncertainty surrounding future job stability.

Despite the challenging statistics, the full report provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape in game development, offering a more human perspective beyond the corporate jargon. It contains valuable insights and microfacts that can enrich one’s understanding of the industry.

For those interested in delving deeper into the findings, the full report is readily available for reading. It offers a wealth of information that goes beyond the surface-level data, providing a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities present in the game development realm.