Gamers’ Worst Nightmares About AI Are Coming True
AI is causing a memory shortage, driving up hardware costs and stalling console releases
Gaming industry: The gaming world was shocked when Xbox’s creator said something felt wrong with the console. He meant Xbox was struggling, not shutting down. People reacted strongly because many worry about AI’s growing role in games.
AI’s impact: Artificial intelligence is already causing people to lose jobs in gaming. Game makers now get lower pay for their work. AI needs lots of computer memory, and this has caused a world-wide shortage. Because of this shortage, game machines cost more money and are harder to get.
Recent problems: Valve stopped making one of its handheld game machines from 2022. Sony has not said if its new PS5 will come out later than planned. Nintendo almost had to delay its new Switch machine because of possible price increases from taxes. These are new problems that didn’t exist before AI.
Past success: When people stayed home during lockdowns, games became very popular. Millions of new people started playing games. Big game companies got even bigger by buying other companies. Game creators had 40 percent more job openings than before.
Current crisis: Data centers that power AI have doubled in just a few years. These centers need so much electricity that nearby homes now pay much more for power. Many experts worry this could get even worse as AI continues to grow.