Google Cloud’s games division head Jack Buser says the video game industry has already embraced AI tools, and he backs that claim with internal survey data collected during Gamescom 2026, where he states that most developers admitted to using AI in some part of their workflow, while also arguing that players do not fully realize how much AI already shapes the games they enjoy today.
In an interview with MobileGamer.Biz, Buser explained how developers and players react differently to this shift, and he framed the gap between surveys as a matter of disclosure rather than actual usage.
“Roughly nine out of ten game developers told us, yeah, we’re using it… What players don’t realize is that their favourite games right now were already built with AI… That gap is basically the developers willingness to tell you whether the fact of the matter is that it’s being used.” — Jack Buser
Industry data shows a different picture
However, other industry reports present a more conservative estimate, and this creates a visible gap between claims and publicly available data.
The GDC State of the Game Industry Report 2026 places AI usage closer to 52%, which still shows strong adoption but does not match the near-universal usage Buser describes, and this difference raises questions about methodology, transparency, and how developers define AI usage in practical terms.
How AI tools are being used in development
Buser points to large studios using tools like Gemini to speed up early-stage work, especially during pre-production where teams generate ideas and filter concepts before artists begin detailed work.
“They’re using Nano Banana and Gemini to rapidly generate countless ideas… the AI is already pre-filtered and pre-selected the probably really good looking pebbles on the side of the road.” — Jack Buser
This example focuses on efficiency, but many developers already rely on existing tools for environmental design, which makes this framing feel less like a breakthrough and more like an extension of current workflows.
Capcom’s position adds clarity
Capcom offers a more grounded example of how major studios approach AI adoption, and the company has openly discussed its plans with investors.
“We will use GenAI tools to improve efficiency and productivity in the game development process.” — Capcom
At the same time, Capcom confirmed it will not use AI to create final in-game assets, which shows that studios still draw clear boundaries between support tools and creative output.
The broader industry continues to search for ways to reduce rising costs and long development cycles, but strong claims about AI solving these problems still lack clear proof, and ongoing debate shows that adoption does not always mean transformation.
