Krafton Transforms into "AI-First" Company | Controversial Shift in Gaming
Edited By
Liam Chen
Krafton, known for titles like PUBG and Subnautica, recently announced a significant shift to become an "AI-first" company. This development, revealed in late October 2025, has sparked intense backlash across online forums, highlighting strong dissatisfaction among gamers and industry insiders alike.
Major Changes Ahead
Krafton aims to implement automated workflows, AI-driven human resources, and management systems. This shift is seen as a move to streamline operations but raises questions about the implications for creativity and game quality. The company’s approach emphasizes AI—potentially sidelining developers and impacting the gaming experience significantly.
Commenters reacted sharply to the announcement, with many expressing outrage and skepticism. One user remarked, "AI HR sounds like the beginning of the end times", while another noted the transformation could kill their excitement for upcoming titles, specifically mentioning, "well there goes my hope for Subnautica 2."
Sentiment Among Gamers
The response from the community is overwhelmingly negative. Comments reflect a concern that this move prioritizes cost-cutting over creative input. One passionate gamer stated, "They set fire to their reputation, they fully nuked it and then threw it into the sun." Such sentiments suggest a deep-seated frustration with Krafton’s direction, especially given their recent acquisitions.
**Key Themes:
**Automation Over Creativity
Critics emphasize that prioritizing AI in management could hurt game development, with one commenter pointing out that "AI-first" equals "people-last."
**Loss of Faith in Upcoming Titles
**Many users expressed disappointment for future games, fearing that this shift spells doom for releases like Subnautica 2 and Hi-Fi Rush.
**Distrust in Business Motives
**Commenters voiced skepticism regarding Krafton's plans, saying they appear more focused on profits than quality, labeling the decision a "low IQ decision."
Key Takeaways
⚠️ A vast majority of comments show discontent with Krafton's shift to AI.
🎮 "I won't be playing any of their games" - echoing a common sentiment among frustrated gamers.
📉 Some suggest boycotting Krafton as a response to their policies.
The Road Ahead
As Krafton embraces an AI-driven future, the question remains: can they maintain their player base? Recent decisions suggest a rising trend where profitability takes precedence over player engagement and game quality. With mounting criticism, Krafton’s next steps will be closely monitored by the gaming community. Will they listen to the feedback, or will they continue on this controversial path? Only time will tell.
What Lies Ahead for Krafton?
Experts predict a turbulent road for Krafton as they transition to an AI-first model. There’s a strong chance that negative sentiment among gamers will lead to a notable drop in player engagement, with estimates suggesting a potential decline of around 30% in active users over the next year. Many believe that the company may struggle to balance automation with creativity, placing pressure on developers who fear losing their roles. The likelihood of Krafton facing backlash during future game launches remains high, driven by continued public skepticism surrounding their motives. This situation is compounded by the rising trend of fans boycotting companies perceived as prioritizing profit over quality, which could further impact revenue streams and brand loyalty.
Reflecting on the Past
In the late 1980s, the automotive industry faced a similar challenge when Japanese firms began dominating the market through innovations in manufacturing and design. American car manufacturers initially dismissed this shift, prioritizing traditional methods over modern efficiency. The result was a significant loss of market share and reputation for many iconic brands that once reigned supreme. Much like Krafton's current dilemma, these companies learned the hard way that overlooking quality in favor of cost-cutting could lead to long-term consequences. Just as the car industry had to adapt or fade away, Krafton stands at a crossroads where the decisions they make today will shape their legacy for years to come.