The use of AI tools has been blamed for the unending layoffs in the gaming industry. A new report suggests Electronic Arts management is urging its staff to use AI for “just about everything” done in the company.
Several current employees of the studio spoke with Business Insider under the condition of anonymity, alleging that management has urged the roughly 15,000 employees in the company to use AI for various tasks, including concept art and coding. It was also alleged that managers are advised on how to address staff about sensitive topics like promotions and pay.
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Several video game makers are increasingly mandating their staff to use AI tools, and in some cases, even monitor staff AI usage. However, the concern for many employees, especially those in creative teams, is that they may be facilitating their layoff by using and training the technology on their own work.
Some of the employees interviewed in the report claimed the AI tools they’re mandated to use produce “flawed code” that needs to be manually corrected. One former employee who held a senior AQ role at Respawn believes he was among the 100 employees laid off last spring because AI was now reviewing and summarizing feedback from play testers, which used to be his job.
One document received by Business Insider shows how some Electronic Arts staff are expected to complete AI training courses, incorporate AI tools in their daily tasks to speed up their work rate, and embrace GenAI tools as a “thought partner”.
In May, Electronic Arts admitted in its annual 10-K Securities and Exchange Commission filing that there was a huge danger in using AI tools incorrectly. The company also admitted that it was increasingly using GenAI tools.
“We are integrating artificial intelligence tools and technologies into our business and development processes,” read the Electronic Arts filing.
“The use of artificial intelligence might present social and ethical issues that, if not managed appropriately, may result in legal and reputational harm, cause consumers to lose confidence in our business and brands and negatively impact our financial and operating results.”
Do you think the mass layoffs in the game industry are directly linked to the increasing GenAI use mandate? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
