The GDC Festival of Gaming annual survey reports that 40 percent of game developers now use generative AI as part of their daily work, an increase from 36 percent in 2025. Usage rates are significantly higher among specific sectors, with 70 percent of mobile-only studio workers and 58 percent of free-to-play developers integrating these tools into their workflows. The data comes from the industry event’s latest annual industry survey released this November.
This shift indicates a growing normalisation of AI within game production pipelines rather than experimental adoption. The higher adoption rates in mobile and free-to-play segments suggest studios are prioritising cost reduction and asset generation speed to maintain profitability in competitive markets. Indie developers continue to express strong reservations about the technology, creating a noticeable divide between commercial and independent sectors.
- Adoption rose by four percentage points year-on-year.
- Mobile-only studios lead usage at 70 percent.
- Free-to-play developers follow at 58 percent.
