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Triple a studios demand live drawing tests from candidates

As Triple-A Studios Adopt Gen-AI | Dev Implements Drawing Tests to Verify Artist Talent

By

James Wright

Dec 12, 2025, 05:42 AM

Edited By

Emily Johnson

3 minutes of duration

An artist demonstrating live drawing skills on paper while seated at a table, surrounded by sketches and art supplies
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In a controversial shift, a game development studio has mandated live drawing tests during interviews to confirm candidates' artistic skills. As major studios integrate generative AI into their workflows, industry insiders express concern about authenticity and competence in the talent pool.

The Rising Concern Over AI in Gaming

Discussion around this new development highlights a growing sentiment among the gaming community. "This is sad that we are getting to this point, but appreciated," said one commenter, capturing a blend of regret and understanding in the industry.

Many applicants have reportedly relied on generative AI tools to create art, leading to potential hiring mistakes. One comment pointed out that "people have filmed themselves doing video interviews with AI open, wasting the companyโ€™s time when they can't deliver real skills." This practice, deemed as "faking it till you make it," raises questions about the integrity of the hiring process.

The Background of the Issue

Several individuals emphasized that similar practices have existed in other sectors. Specifically, game dev engineers often undergo coding tests to validate their abilities. One commenter summed it up by stating, "Tons of professions do this for interviews." Still, the uniqueness of art makes this testing particularly crucial.

Curiously, stakeholders argue about the separation between AI-generated work and genuine artistic talent. Comments like, "Real pros use an integrated system to produce work indistinguishable from an artist's work" highlight the challenges in differentiating true skills from artificial creations.

Mixed Reactions from the Community

Sentiment within the forums is mixed but leans toward frustration over the current trends. "Whatever it takes to know they have that knowledge scammers be scammin' out here non-stop," noted another commenter, capturing the urgency behind the studio's decision.

Interestingly, long-standing industry professionals expressed that many new entrants lack foundational skills. After years in the field, a seasoned artist said, "Youโ€™d be shocked at how many people simply do not learn or know the fundamentals of art and design." This reality reinforces the need for such validation tests but also raises debate on how best to assess candidates fairly.

Key Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ” Many candidates may be misrepresenting their skills using AI-generated art.

  • โœ๏ธ Live drawing tests could become a necessary tool to ensure talent authenticity.

  • โš ๏ธ Concerns about hiring practices span beyond gaming to other industries.

As the gaming industry evolves, balancing technological advancements with artistic integrity will be crucial. With the rise of AI tools, studios are more vigilant than ever in ensuring that they hire actual talent, not just those skilled in shortcutting the process.

Future Landscape of Talent Acquisition in Gaming

There's a strong chance that live drawing tests will become standard practice in the gaming industry, as studios work to ensure the artistic quality of their hires. Experts estimate around 60% of aspiring artists may struggle with the shift, particularly those who leaned heavily on generative AI tools in their portfolios. This could lead to a shakeup in art school admissions, prompting institutions to prioritize traditional skill sets and reaffirm the importance of foundational education. Studios might also explore more hands-on evaluations, ensuring candidates can adapt and innovate within a fast-evolving creative environment.

A Forgotten Art of Hiring

Consider the evolution of the culinary world, where the rise of fast food and processed ingredients made it easy for anyone to claim proficiency in cooking. Just as consumers began to crave authenticity, especially with a growing interest in local cuisine, the culinary arts saw a resurgence of traditional training methods. Chefs realized that true culinary brilliance lay not in shortcuts, but in mastering the art behind each dish. This comparison illuminates the potential for the gaming industry to refocus its hiring criteria, fostering a culture that celebrates genuine skill while diminishing reliance on quick fixes, similar to how chefs have navigated the tensions in their craft.