A growing majority of video game developers are relying on artificial intelligence to cut costs and speed up production, according to a new Google Cloud survey.

The report, released Monday, found that 87% of developers are using AI agents to automate repetitive tasks, allowing teams to focus more on creative work. Conducted by Google and The Harris Poll, the study surveyed 615 developers in the United States, South Korea, Norway, Finland and Sweden between late June and early July.

Nearly half of respondents said they deploy AI to process text, voice, code, audio and video more efficiently, enabling faster decision-making and content optimization. The findings come as publishers grapple with ballooning development costs, longer production cycles, and record layoffs across the industry.

The use of AI, however, remains deeply divisive. Concerns about job losses, intellectual property rights and fair pay continue to spark debate. Last year, Hollywood’s videogame performers staged a strike over AI and compensation, while studio closures contributed to more than 10,000 job cuts.

Despite the unease, most developers expect the technology to ease financial pressures. The survey showed 94% believe AI will help reduce long-term costs, even though a quarter said measuring returns on investment remains difficult. High integration expenses and uncertainty over data ownership also weigh heavily, with 63% of respondents citing legal questions about licensing and the rights to AI-generated content.

Industry analysts expect momentum to pick up this year and next, with major releases and new consoles projected to boost spending. For publishers, AI adoption could prove pivotal in balancing surging consumer expectations with tighter budgets.