Once dismissed as a passing trend, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force reshaping industries worldwide. In gaming, what was once speculative has now become reality, with AI driving innovation in game design, player engagement, and immersive experiences. With the Indian gaming market expected to generate INR 39,583 crore by 2028, and this technology continues to evolve, it is not just changing how games are played but also opening up a world of new career opportunities, set to redefine the gaming industry by 2025.
Indiatoday spoke with Roland Landers, CEO at All India Gaming Federation (AIGF) to get more insights.
AI and other emerging technologies are reshaping the gaming landscape by automating key development processes, such as level design, game balance, and content creation.
It will play a crucial role in the next phase of game development by automating processes that were once manual.
Cloud gaming, powered by AI, will unlock new genres and formats. With real-time processing and instant updates, developers can innovate freely, unconstrained by traditional hardware limits.
These advancements allow developers to create more engaging, diverse, and dynamic games with greater efficiency, ultimately enhancing the gaming experience for players.
The result is a surge in gaming popularity, with more people becoming involved in gaming than ever before.
As technology continues to evolve, it will require new skills, roles, and opportunities for those aspiring to work in this field.
Developers will need expertise in machine learning, data analysis, and interactive design, while new roles such as AI game designers, virtual reality specialists, and gameplay data scientists will become increasingly essential.
This shift will necessitate the hiring of AI Engineers—specialists who can design and implement algorithms that enhance non-playable characters (NPCs) and improve gameplay mechanics.
As AI further integrates into gaming, Player Experience Designers will play a crucial role, using player data to create personalised experiences that adapt to individual preferences.
Other growing roles include Game Data Analysts, who will leverage AI to track player behaviour and optimise engagement strategies, and VR/AR Developers, who will create immersive experiences with AI-driven responsive worlds.
Additionally, as generative AI tools gain popularity, Game Artists and Narrative Designers will use AI to streamline creative processes, allowing them to focus on high-level design rather than repetitive tasks.
AI will also revolutionise the work of Game Audio Engineers, enabling dynamic soundscapes and adaptive music that react to player actions.
Although AI is not yet fully integrated into the gaming ecosystem, its adoption is underway, with businesses recognising its benefits.
AI can also contribute to dynamic gameplay, adjusting challenges and narratives based on player behaviour and creating highly realistic virtual environments.
As a result, both the gaming experience and advertising strategies have become more interactive and engaging, seamlessly blending entertainment with brand promotion.
As AI continues to evolve, its role in the gaming industry will expand, driving both innovation and career opportunities.
The integration of AI not only promises to elevate the gaming experience but will also lead to the creation of new roles that demand a combination of technical skills, creativity, and innovation.
For those looking to break into the gaming sector, developing expertise in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and game development will be crucial to capitalising on the exciting opportunities ahead.
Credit: India Today