The unintended consequences of generative AI in gaming
About a third of game developers now use generative AI to speed up creating art and stories.
While it helps games get made faster, it's also stirring up big questions about what's real and who actually made what you see in your favorite games.
AI art raises questions about what's real
AI-generated art often stands out with its shiny look, making some players suspicious—even when the artwork is actually hand-drawn.
Games like Stamina Zero's Little Droid faced false accusations of using AI, and even big names like Magic: The Gathering and Nintendo had to step in to clear things up.
Indie creators especially have to work harder to prove their stuff is original.
More impressive visuals but also more doubt about what's authentic
Generative AI lets studios build bigger, more dynamic game worlds but blurs the line between human-made and machine-made content.
For players, this means more impressive visuals but also more doubt about what's authentic.
Developers now feel extra pressure to be open about how their games are made so players can trust what they're playing.