Amazon Games CEO Christoph Hartmann has stated that artificial intelligence (AI) will not lead to job losses in the gaming industry. In a recent interview with IGN, Hartmann explained that the absence of traditional acting roles in games makes it unlikely for AI to replace human workers.
Hartmann made these remarks when asked about the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which focuses on protecting performers from AI-related job displacement. He emphasized that AI in gaming is more about enhancing creativity and innovation rather than eliminating jobs. “The majority of the team sits in programming and that’s not going to go away because that’s all about innovation. If it takes something, it will be really the boring parts,” Hartmann said.
He also expressed hope that AI could speed up game development, which often takes up to five years per title. By reducing development time, Hartmann believes that budgets could be managed better, allowing for more iterations and quicker failure, leading to better outcomes.
The SAG-AFTRA strike highlights the growing concern among performers about the unchecked use of AI in creative industries. However, Hartmann’s comments suggest that, at least in gaming, the impact may be less severe than feared.
