The AI x Game Dev Survey 2024 was published online on December 19, 2024. 650+ game developers were surveyed; they expect AI to continue to penetrate game development in 2025, and many AI tools are mainly being used at the pre-production/prototyping stage.
As you can see, the results were fascinating:
- 73% of studios are already using AI
- 39% of studios see a >20% productivity gain TODAY
- 23% of respondents see AI as a threat to their job
Thankfully, Meshy was nominated on the list of the 10 most popular Al tools at the end of the survey outcome. That is the reason why we always keep moving forward, and we firmly believe that 2025 will be remembered as a watershed moment in game development. The game development industry depends on each part of the member's efforts, and every one of you can make it into reality, so let's focus on the trend of game development today!
What Does the A16Z Survey Tell Us?
As we all know, A16Z was known as an advanced investment company. which has invested in many famous game companies or related techniques like Roblox, Rec Room, and Forte; moreover, A16Z always published related game industry trends. For the AI x Game Dev Survey 2024, by surveying 650+ game developers, A16Z claims that many game developers have been using AI tools in the past whole year, and the change in AI's impact on game development has been going on for a while.
The following are the main contents of the survey:
The Vast Majority of Studios are Using AI Tools Today
- 73% of studios are currently using AI.
- 88% plan to in the future.
More than Half of Execs and Artists Use AI
- Execs answered 85% using.
- Artists answered 58% using.
Big Gains in Productivity and Cost Savings
- 39% of respondents say AI boosts productivity by 20% or more.
- 25% of studios report similar gains in cost savings.
People are Excited about AI's Impact on The Games Industry
- 76% of people have a positive attitude towards the development of AI in the gaming industry.
- 24% of people have a negative attitude towards the development of AI in the gaming industry.
AI Tools are Generally Used in The Pre-production Phase
According to the results, AI today is mainly being used at the pre-production/prototyping stage. It's similar to last year's response. This is probably due to the models not yet reaching production quality and perhaps because of copyright concerns. Compared with the last survey, voice generation/cloning has risen in popularity.
70% of respondents are either using or plan to use 3D AI tools
The 3D asset generation models got dramatically better in 2024. That's led to an increase in usage and interest.
- This year 70% of respondents are either using or plan to use 3D AI tools.
- Last year that number was only 48%
53% of respondents are exploring the use of Al as content 'in' the game
Studios are thinking about how they can use AI for new game designs and emergent gameplay. 53% of respondents are exploring the use of AI as content 'in' the game (at runtime). This could be AI NPCs or real-time content generation. AI will unlock many new genres of games. It's still early here as games take time to develop AND the unit economics w/ AI inference requires innovation on the business model front, but we'll see more breakout "AI-native games" next year.
AI Tools Led to an Increase in Usage and Interest
- This year 70% of respondents are either using or plan to use 3D AI tools.
- Last year that number was only 48%.
Top Al Tools Used by Game Developers in 2024
These are the 10 most popular Al tools used by game developers today, and we're proud to be one of them:
Meshy Has Been a Popular Choice Among Studios
The creation of 3D models is no longer limited to set and inflexible software. With the rapid growth of AI, various 3D AI generation technologies have emerged. Many studios employ AI tools to finish the basic modeling and Prototyping phase. For example, Meshy has been a popular choice among studios. It is an AI-powered 3D modeling tool that can generate 3D models in half a minute. Mehsy enables developers to create stunning 3D models from a few lines of text or a picture. It's fast, intuitive, and designed for artists and hobbyists of all sizes.
Here are the reasons for studios choosing meshy:
Lightweight and Fast: Meshy runs smoothly without requiring a lot of system resources, making it perfect for quick edits and previews.
Easy to Use: The interface is simple and intuitive, so you can get started right away without a steep learning curve.
Great for 3D Models: It's especially good at working with 3D assets, helping streamline your workflow and save time.
What Features Does Meshy Provide for the Game Development Industry?
Meshy is a unique platform that provides game developers and other artists with a combination of free, high-quality 3D models and cutting-edge AI capabilities. Its outstanding features include text or image to 3D modeling conversion, making it an ideal resource for individuals looking to make their 3D gaming models.
Meshy's free models range from mythological animals to modern products, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Although AI can offer unsatisfactory features in a model, Meshy enables model updates using other 3D modeling tools, ensuring that they meet the developers' exact requirements.
Meshy has the following key features:
- Text to 3D: Users can enter a textual description, and Meshy will generate the appropriate 3D model. This capability enables rapid prototyping and visualization of concepts, eliminating the need for manual modeling.
- Image to 3D: Users can upload images to the workspace, and experience breathtaking realism with AI-generated characters, props, and more, showcasing intricate details like never before.
- Text to Texture: Meshy allows users to apply textures to existing 3D models based on textual descriptions, improving the visual quality and realism of the designs.
- Animation: Meshy provides plugins for rigging and animating 3D characters, making it easier to create dynamic models for a variety of applications such as games and VR/AR.
- Community: When you upload your created models to the Meshy community, you will gain followers from all around the world; also, you can gain inspiration from other people's results by surfing the community.
Meshy simplifies 3D game model creation, saving time and money. You can design lifelike models with advanced texturing and motion tools or download free models shared by the community. Meshy supports all major formats, making it easy to get the assets you need.
What Are the Game Dev Trends in 2025?
Game development is going through an exciting transformation, where cutting-edge technology meets creative storytelling. AI is making it possible to create more personalized experiences, and procedural content generation is helping developers build vast, dynamic worlds that respond to player actions. With AR and AI evolving so quickly, 2025 could be a game-changing year for the industry. Insights from recent advancements and an A16Z survey point to key trends that could inspire both developers and hobbyists to move forward.
AI-Driven Game Design and NPC
AI is transforming game development, helping studios create smarter characters, adaptive stories, and massive, procedurally generated worlds. It saves time while delivering more personalized and immersive gameplay.
According to an A16Z survey, over 60% of studios now use AI to streamline workflows and spark ideas. Tools like Meshy make collaboration even easier, offering real-time AI brainstorming to speed up the creative process.
The Rise of Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is on the rise, making high-quality games accessible without expensive hardware. Players can stream AAA titles on anything from laptops to phones. According to an A16Z survey, developers are investing heavily in better infrastructure to boost scalability and cut latency.
Immersive Technologies Are Going Mainstream
VR, AR, and XR are becoming a big part of gaming, thanks to efforts by companies like Meta and Microsoft. These technologies are now more affordable and easy to use, attracting more players.
The Power of User-Generated Content (UGC)
Games with user-generated content are booming as players want to create, not just play. From mods to custom levels, UGC keeps games fresh and engaging. Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite Creative show the power of this trend. Meshy enhances this by connecting players and developers to collaborate, share, and refine ideas, making gaming a true community experience.
Sustainability in Game Development
Sustainability is becoming a focus for game developers, with eco-friendly practices like energy-efficient servers and green themes in games. Studios are meeting the demand for socially responsible gaming by reflecting environmental values in their stories and processes.
Conclusion
The game development industry is at an exciting crossroads. With trends like AI, cloud gaming, immersive technologies, UGC, and sustainability in game development, developers have more tools than ever to create groundbreaking experiences. Collaborative platforms like Meshy are helping teams navigate this new era, providing the resources they need to turn ambitious ideas into reality. As gaming evolves, one thing is clear: the future is all about creativity, connectivity, and putting players at the heart of the experience.
