Almost two thirds of game development studios are using AI, survey finds

Almost two thirds of game development studios are using artificial intelligence in their workflows.

That’s according to a survey of over 300 respondents carried out by market research firm CIST, on behalf of game engine maker Unity.

“62% of the studios we surveyed said they used AI in their workflows, mainly to prototype quickly and for concepting, asset creation, and worldbuilding,” Unity said in its latest annual market report, which was published on Monday and covers trends shaping development.

According to Unity data, the average time to launch for games increased from 218 days in 2022 to 304 days for 2023.

While learning to use new tech that can help speed up production comes with challenges, 71% of the studios surveyed that are using AI said doing so had improved their delivery and operations.

38% of studios surveyed said they were reluctant to start using AI. 43% of this group said they had an interest in using AI but didn’t have the time, while 24% said they didn’t think they had the technical skills to do so.

Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson recently said that over the next five years, he hopes generative AI will make the company’s development 30% more efficient, help grow its 700 million-strong player base by “at least” 50%, and lead to players spending 10-20% more money on its games.