Electronic Arts (EA) is navigating a complex terrain as it embraces artificial intelligence (AI) in its operations. Recent insights reveal a growing divide between the company’s leadership and its employees regarding AI’s role in the workplace.
Employee Perspectives on AI at Electronic Arts
A humorous meme shared in an internal Slack channel encapsulated this divide. It depicted a cartoon character asking CEOs about their desires for AI, to which they enthusiastically responded, “AI!” without a clear understanding of its purpose. Employees reacted with laughter, highlighting their skepticism about the push for AI integration.
As AI tools become more pervasive, many employees express concerns that these technologies may create additional workloads rather than alleviate them. In fact, a recent survey showed that 40% of employees believe AI contributes to their workload, contrasting sharply with the 92% of executives who anticipate productivity boosts from AI.
Surveys Highlighting AI Divide
- A study of 7,000 professionals found that 87% of executives use AI daily, compared to just 27% of employees.
- Another survey pointed out that nearly a third of video game creators view generative AI as detrimental to the industry.
- Concerns about ethics, intellectual property, and biases in AI remain prevalent among professionals.
At EA, the company encourages its 15,000 employees to engage with AI tools, including its in-house chatbot, ReefGPT. Workers are expected to utilize these resources in various tasks, from creative projects to managerial conversations. However, some have reported frustrations with the technology’s limitations, claiming that it produces flawed outputs that require manual corrections.
A Shift in the Video Game Industry’s Workforce
As the gaming sector integrates AI, it faces broader challenges. In fiscal year 2025, EA’s net income experienced a notable decline, reflecting pressures within the industry. Job cuts across the sector reached 14,600 in 2024, driven by factors such as studio consolidation and increased automation.
- Approximately 318,000 individuals currently work in the global video game industry, down 9% from its 2022 peak.
- Despite workforce reductions, global game software sales are projected to increase by 4.6%, reaching $196.4 billion in 2025.
Doug Creutz, an industry analyst, remarked on the skepticism surrounding AI: “There’s a fundamental lack of trust.” This skepticism complicates EA’s endeavor as it integrates AI into its creative processes.
AI’s Role in Game Development
Although AI has long been a staple in video games, its current applications differ significantly. The company’s CEO, Andrew Wilson, emphasized that AI innovations play a crucial role in EA’s future. However, utilizing AI effectively in creative fields, where personal creativity and human nuance are pivotal, remains a challenge.
Navigating the AI landscape poses questions for EA and similar companies. As employees express reluctance toward AI adoption, leaders must find ways to bridge the gap. By acknowledging these concerns and presenting AI as an enabler rather than a replacement, companies might foster a more collaborative environment.
Ultimately, the success of AI integration at EA will depend on building trust with its employees while maximizing the technology’s potential benefits.
