Former Square Enix Executive Claims Consumers Are Indifferent to AI in Video Games

The Rise of AI in Gaming: Consumer Indifference and Industry Transformation

In the rapidly evolving landscape of video games and creative sectors, the ethical implications surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) have sparked intense debates among enthusiasts. However, Jacob Navok, the CEO of Genvid and former Director of Business at Square Enix Holdings, reveals that the general consumer base appears largely indifferent to these discussions.

Navok recently addressed this phenomenon on X, presenting persuasive arguments to illustrate how consumer apathy is shifting industry dynamics. His insights come at a pivotal time when AI integration in gaming is not only prevalent but also increasingly accepted by players.

Exemplifying Success: AI in Popular Titles

One standout example Navok highlighted is the Roblox game *Steal a Brainrot*, which has taken the gaming world by storm. Featuring 3D models inspired by AI-generated “slop characters, ”the game attracted an incredible peak of around 30 million concurrent players. This rapid ascent in popularity underscores a notable trend: younger gamers are seemingly unconcerned about the ethical implications of AI technology in their favorite pastimes. As Navok quipped, borrowing a quote from *The Dark Knight Rises*: “You merely adopted the slop, I was born in it.”

The Future of AI in Game Development

With consumers showing a lack of concern regarding AI utilization, the industry is poised for significant transformation. Navok pointed out that many game developers are now incorporating AI in various phases of production, particularly during concept development. Tools such as Claude for code generation are becoming commonplace, making it increasingly rare for indie studios to avoid these resources.

For all the anti-AI sentiment we’re seeing in various articles, it appears consumers generally do not care. The biggest game of the year, Steal a Brainrot, had 30m concurrents or approximately 80x the ARC Raiders concurrents, and is named after/based on AI slop characters.(All… https://t.co/B3mexTjBcK

— Jacob Navok (@JNavok) November 16, 2025

Quality vs. Popularity: The Divergence of AI Applications

While the general sentiment among consumers may favor AI integration, the quality of its application remains a crucial factor. For instance, Embark Studios has employed AI technology in *ARC Raiders* by generating additional voice lines while ensuring ethical compensation for voice actors, enhancing the overall player experience. Despite this high-quality integration, Navok suggests that it may struggle to compete with the sheer popular appeal of AI-generated content in games like *Steal a Brainrot*, which has already grossed between $80 and $90 million since its launch.

Just as further data points because I think this is understated: Steal a Brainrot’s passed 20m concurrents two weeks in a row this month.https://t.co/I9tIkevV3D They were making $11m in July when they were half those concurrents.https://t.co/wVKBCeub9WI could make the case…

— Jacob Navok (@JNavok) November 16, 2025

Diverse Implementations of AI in Gaming

While *ARC Raiders* provides an example of ethical AI usage, other games illustrate the varied use of AI across the industry. For instance, Everstone Studio’s *Where Winds Meet* employs AI chatbots for non-playable characters (NPCs), offering interactive experiences that can range from amusing to engaging. Conversely, some games, like *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7*, have drawn criticism for using AI to replace traditional artwork with mediocre generated images.

Your Opinion on AI in Gaming

The discourse surrounding AI in gaming continues to evolve. Where do you find yourself in this ongoing debate? Are you apprehensive about AI’s role in gaming, or do you embrace it as long as it enriches your gaming experience? We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below.

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