Electronic Arts, one of the world’s largest game development companies, has faced mounting internal and external criticism amid reports that its AI implementation is leading to decreased productivity and increased workload for employees. The company’s push to integrate AI across its operations, including code generation, scripting for complex conversations about pay, and employee training, has not resulted in the anticipated efficiency gains. Instead, staff members report that the tools often produce flawed code and hallucinations, requiring additional time for corrections. The situation has raised concerns among employees that AI is not reducing their workload but instead creating more work.
Employees at Electronic Arts have expressed frustration with the current state of the AI tools, with some suggesting that the technology is still in its early stages and requires significant refinement. Creative teams, in particular, are worried about the long-term implications of AI adoption on their roles. Character artists and level designers, who are essential to the development process, are concerned that AI could eventually replace their skills and responsibilities. This fear has been exacerbated by recent layoffs at the company’s Respawn Entertainment studio, where about 100 colleagues were let go. One senior quality-assurance designer who was recently laid off suggested that AI played a key role in his termination, as it had taken over a significant portion of his job, including reviewing and summarizing feedback from hundreds of play testers.
The situation has sparked a broader debate within the gaming industry about the role of AI in game development. While some see AI as a valuable tool for speeding up certain tasks, others argue that it could lead to job displacement and a decline in creative quality. Electronic Arts may need to reassess its approach to AI implementation to ensure that it truly supports its workforce while maintaining the competitive edge in the rapidly evolving gaming market.