Increase in Generative AI Usage Among Game Developers in 2026

The GDC Festival of Gaming's annual survey indicates that 40% of game developers are using generative AI tools as part of their job, up from 36% in 2025. Notably, usage is higher among developers of free-to-play games (58%) and mobile-only studios (70%). The survey also highlights that 34% of respondents have experienced layoffs in the past two years.