AI, Game Development, and Sustainability

(Report)

Author: Dr Chloe Germaine

Published 30th January, 2026

With media reports and industry surveys suggesting that AI tools are become increasingly integrated into game development workflows, this report offers a timely and evidence‑based examination of their environmental and climate‑justice implications. Our researcher provides a clear explanation of different types of “AI”, distinguishing traditional game AI from energy‑intensive generative systems in order to burst the AI “hype” bubble. The report also surveys recent data and literature analysing the material infrastructures that underpin AI, including data centres, compute growth, hardware lifecycles, and water usage. From this, our researcher synthesizes key takeaways about energy consumption, carbon emissions, e‑waste and transparency gaps in current AI industry practices on reporting these environmental impacts. Another dimension of the research focuses on climate justice issues, labour exploitation, and the geopolitical implications of AI infrastructure expansion. Finally, we offer recommendations to support responsible, accountable and sustainable AI adoption in Europe’s game industries.

The report equips game development studios, educators and policymakers with the knowledge required to make informed decisions about AI integration, cutting through hype to focus on ecological realism.