Despite industry controversy and player pushback, the numbers show that AI-integrated games aren’t just surviving—they are thriving at the highest levels of the market.
- Massive Revenue: Steam games openly disclosing the use of generative AI have generated an estimated $660 million this year, proving financial viability despite public skepticism.
- Rapid Adoption: Approximately 8% of the Steam library—over 10,000 titles—now utilizes AI technology, a figure that has risen significantly in just the last five months.
- Mainstream Success: While “shovelware” exists, high-profile hits like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Stellaris are driving these earnings, cementing AI’s place in AAA development.
For the better part of a year, the narrative surrounding generative AI in video games has been dominated by skepticism, ethical debates, and vocal pushback from players. Yet, if one looks past the social media discourse and focuses strictly on the financials, a very different picture emerges. According to a recent report by Ichiro Lambe at Totally Human Media, games on Steam that openly disclose the use of generative AI have grossed an enormous estimated $660 million this year alone. It appears that while the internet argues about the soul of art, the industry is quietly, and lucratively, integrating the technology.
A Library Transformed
The scale of this adoption is moving faster than many realize. Currently, 10,258 games on Steam disclose the use of generative AI. This accounts for roughly 8% of the platform’s entire library. This isn’t a stagnant metric; it represents a sharp increase from just five months ago, when the number sat at 7,818 titles (7%).
While the public perception of AI often leans toward “asset flips” or low-quality “slop,” the data suggests a much deeper integration into the gaming ecosystem. The sheer volume of titles adopting these tools indicates that studios, understandably driven by production efficiencies, show no sign of hitting the brakes.
AAA Hits and Eight-Figure Revenues
Perhaps the most revealing aspect of the data is who is making this money. The assumption that AI is the sole domain of amateur developers looking to cut corners is being dismantled by the charts. The $660 million total is heavily bolstered by mainstream juggernauts. Major titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Stellaris, and inZOI are among the high earners utilizing the technology.
The revenue breakdown is staggering:
- 12 games with AI disclosures have earned eight figures (over $10 million).
- 33 games have hit the $1 million mark.
- 170 games have amassed six-figure revenues.
This financial success provides a safety net for major publishers. Companies like Ubisoft and Krafton—which has self-identified as “AI first”—are doubling down on the technology. From a business perspective, their commitment is logical: there appear to be no major financial consequences for using AI, regardless of the public outcry.
The Friction Between Profit and Prestige
Despite the financial windfall, the cultural integration of AI remains rocky. The technology has generated “more controversies than you could ever fit in the fridge.” A prime example occurred recently at the Indie Game Awards, where the highly anticipated Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 had its “Game of the Year” win retracted. The revocation came after developer Sandfall Interactive confirmed the use of some generative AI during development, highlighting the friction between industry accolades and modern development tools. Similarly, panic has surrounded titles like the upcoming Divinity, as fans scrutinize beloved franchises for signs of algorithmic interference.
The industry finds itself in a paradoxical moment. Players express disappointment and ethical concerns regarding AI, yet they continue to purchase and play AI-enhanced titles in record numbers. As long as the revenue flows, the integration of generative AI into the medium seems not only inevitable but permanent.