Players Urge Boycott as Krafton Shifts to AI-Driven Development

Players are expressing strong disapproval of Krafton’s recent decision to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in its game development process, leading to calls for a boycott of the company. The backlash follows the announcement of a voluntary resignation scheme that may result in significant job losses.

Krafton, the South Korean gaming company known for its popular title PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), recently revealed record-high revenue of nearly $500 million in profit for the first half of 2023. Despite this financial success, the company is pivoting towards AI innovation, a move that has caught many players off guard.

AI Restructuring Raises Concerns

In an internal memo, Krafton’s CEO Kim Chang-ha stated that the company plans to “automate work centered on agentic AI.” While the specifics of this initiative remain vague, it could encompass various tasks such as visual asset generation, character design, and quality assessment. This shift is sparking concerns about the potential for reduced job opportunities for human workers in the gaming industry.

According to Business Korea, Krafton is promoting the voluntary resignation scheme as a supportive measure rather than a workforce reduction. Employees will have the option to transition to different roles within the company or seek opportunities elsewhere. Nonetheless, the potential loss of jobs, combined with the implications for game quality, has incited significant public outcry.

The recent agreement ending the SAG-AFTRA strike, which focused on rights related to AI-generated voice likenesses, highlights the growing tension surrounding AI in the entertainment sector. While the agreement aimed to protect artists and technical staff, it underscored the broader concern that AI technology poses a threat to a wide range of jobs in game development.

Industry Response and Future Implications

The debate over AI’s role in gaming is intensifying, with notable figures weighing in. Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, suggested that criticisms of AI are largely political and that the technology could enhance productivity. In contrast, developers from Necrosoft Games have publicly denounced AI integration, emphasizing their commitment to human creativity.

Despite the controversy, many major companies, including Activision, Riot Games, and Square Enix, are reportedly exploring AI solutions. A recent investigation by WIRED indicated that approximately 26% of game industry workers in Europe were laid off in 2024, a trend that raises alarm about job security as studios increasingly turn to automation.

Critics are also concerned about the quality of AI-generated content. Instances of poor game performance have emerged, such as crude physics and rendering issues in AI-generated game clips. Even within organizations like Electronic Arts, employees have expressed frustration over unsuccessful attempts to integrate AI into their workflows.

As the gaming industry grapples with the challenges posed by AI, many players remain unsatisfied. The calls for a boycott of Krafton reflect a broader sentiment against the automation of creative jobs. While AI continues to advance, the inherent risks associated with its adoption—such as potential bias, high training costs, and the environmental impact—remain pressing concerns.

Krafton’s shift towards an AI-centric model may signal significant changes in the gaming landscape, but for many, it raises questions about the future of creativity and employment in the industry. As debates intensify, the situation underscores the delicate balance between technological advancement and preserving the human touch in game development.