This manufacturer laid off 1,400 people. The solution is to be AI

Embracer Group is a Swedish giant in the computer games market that is responsible for or has the rights to such series as Borderlands, Deus Ex, Jagged Alliance, Metro 2033, Gothic, Saints Row, Tomb Raider and a lot more. However, the Swedes have not recently enjoyed a good reputation among players and game developers.

Embracer Group apparently does not want to replace AI creators

First in less than a year Embracer Group laid off almost 1,400 employeesand a few months later it was informed about canceling 40 different projects. In the meantime, the company shared its plans to split into three entities – Asmodee Group, Coffee Stain & Friends and Middle-earth Enterprises & Friend.

However, The Verge reports that this is not the end of drastic changes. In its latest annual report, Embracer Group detailed how the company thinks about using artificial intelligence. Even accepted “Group AI Policy” (Group AI Policy). The entire report is not available, but we can read publicly:

Artificial intelligence can significantly improve game development by increasing resource efficiency, adding intelligent behaviors, personalizing and optimizing gameplay. Using AI, we create more engaging and immersive experiences that provide each player with a unique, dynamic and personalized experience. We also see huge opportunities for AI in terms of game development speed, logistics and planning. Embracer Group also understands the potential risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence.

– Embracer Group

Theoretically, this sounds good and noble. Essentially, Embracer Group believes that it must introduce AI into the creative process to some extent to remain competitive in the market. This makes a lot of sense considering that large Chinese game producers – e.g. MiHoYo – they have been using artificial intelligence for a long time.

However, many people are skepticaltaking into account the actions of the Swedes in recent months, especially bearing in mind the scale of layoffs. Tomas Hedman from Embracer Group reassures us that the company “I don’t want to replace people with artificial intelligence, I want to empower employees by giving them new tools”. And what will it be like in reality? Time will tell. One thing is for sure – the world of gamedev is changing before our eyes.