The Potential Negative Impact of AI on Games and Animation

The gaming and animation industries are undergoing seismic changes with the advent of AI. At first glance, these developments may appear exciting, but for many, especially indie developers, media professionals, and recently laid-off employees from companies like DreamWorks or Riot Games, the outlook seems bleak. While AI appears to be a convenient scapegoat for these disruptions, the reality is more complex. In truth, it’s not just the professionals who stand to lose – it’s the entire industry, and most importantly, the consumer.

A Shifting Job Landscape

The most vocal opponents of AI in the creative sector are independent creators and career professionals, many of whom fear losing their jobs. I belong to the indie category, operating as a solo creator. My perspective differs somewhat from those in larger studios, but the underlying concern is the same: AI is changing everything. Reports like those about MidJourney, an AI image and video generation software, have shown the extent of AI's influence on creative industries. MidJourney, for example, curated a list of 16,000 artists from which its AI learned. Naturally, many of us checked to see if we were on that list—especially since it’s now part of a class-action lawsuit.

The point is, AI still requires human input, at least for now. However, its growing influence signals a worrying trend for media professionals if we don’t act soon. As AI advances, companies have already begun to downsize creative departments, leading to job losses. For example, Lionsgate Films recently struck a deal with AI company Runway, aiming to reduce its creative workforce. This move outraged industry professionals, including Blizzard Entertainment’s Senior Recruiter Jasmine Coppin, who seemingly encouraged her 57,000+ LinkedIn followers to boycott Lionsgate.

Creativity at Risk

While AI is an incredible tool for streamlining productivity, it carries the risk of dulling human creativity. If creators aren't challenged to use their imagination, we might soon see an industry full of uninspired, cookie-cutter content. AI learns from existing human interactions and creations, but if access to original work is restricted, AI could theoretically run out of fresh ideas. While it may not happen immediately, over-reliance on AI could lead to boring and redundant content in the future.

This trend is already noticeable. For instance, rather than introducing something fresh, Nintendo’s 2023 animated remake of Mario leaned heavily on nostalgia instead of offering new, creative content. While Mario is iconic, rehashing old material instead of taking bold creative risks shows a disconnect between decision-makers and creators. In many cases, creators have become more like engineers—adjusting and optimizing rather than innovating.

Opportunities for Independent Creators

However, the future isn’t entirely grim for the "small guys." For those brave enough to embrace change and innovate, this shift might open up new opportunities. The creatives who resist AI reliance and focus on unique, human-driven content could become highly sought-after. As major studios chase efficiency through automation, consumers may grow tired of repetitive AI-generated content, seeking out independent creators for more authentic and imaginative experiences.

Downsizing and creative stagnation in big companies could actually benefit indie creators, especially if they unify, privatize their work, and innovate. If AI is starved of access to original human work, the demand for truly unique, human-driven content will grow. Independent creators who embrace this challenge and continue pushing creative boundaries may find themselves in high demand as audiences search for something new.

Consumer Impact

While much of the conversation around AI in the creative industries focuses on professionals, it’s the consumers who stand to lose the most. As more companies rely on AI to generate content, the quality and novelty of games, movies, and animations may decrease. This could lead to a decline in unique, immersive experiences, and consumers may grow frustrated with the lack of originality in the media they engage with.

The Industry’s Next Frontier

The future of the media industry is poised to change dramatically over the next few years. While AI will undoubtedly play a significant role in this transformation, there will always be a need for human creativity. Those who are bold enough to pioneer new ways of thinking and creating will have the opportunity to thrive in this evolving landscape.

Ultimately, AI is a tool, not a replacement for human ingenuity. Creators and companies who strike the right balance between using AI for efficiency and preserving human creativity will set the stage for the future. But for now, the industry is at a critical crossroads, and how we navigate it will determine whether we enter a new golden age of creativity—or a repetitive, uninspired future.

Austenaco Ruleamor-El Head, Ruleamor Media