The debate surrounding generative AI, which should not be confused with simpler game AI (such as NPCs that respond to players), has heated up in recent weeks. After Larian confirmed the use of genAI in the development process for DivinityThe backlash saw CEO Swen Vincke schedule a developer AMA in 2026 to discuss how the team was using it. At the same time, Expedition 33 had his GOTY award taken away from the Indie Game Awards due to his use of genAI, and even Blue Prince they caught a stray because people accused him of using genAI (it didn't). In the midst of this ongoing controversy, it is worth noting that the most requested game on Steam it comes from a self-declared “AI-First” company.
The genAI debate will no doubt continue in the coming weeks and months. One of the main reasons for its increasing use is its supposed ability to speed up the development process at a time when video games are taking longer to develop than ever before; in other words, many studies essentially see it as a shortcut to a very real challenge. At the same time, Larian's Vincke said in an interview with Bloomberg that he doesn't see any faster productivity in its use, but other companies are doubling, if not tripling, the technology. Krafton recently declared itself an “AI-First company” and is currently releasing the most requested game on Steam: Subnautica 2.
Krafton calls for forensics as Subnautica 2 trial heats up
Krafton is filing a motion to compel a forensic examination as the lawsuit over Subnautica 2 and the ouster of the Unknown Worlds leadership continues.
Between the genAI controversy, the controversial shootings of Krafton's Unknown Worlds Entertainment developer, various issues with the use of genAI, and many other fine points that will affect Subnautica 2I don't even know where to start. But I guess I'll start where every video game should: the player. The fact is, most gamers won't be familiar with any game using genAI unless the developers just do it tactlessly. The fact that secrecy and “tact” are somewhat required is a problem in itself. Misinformation is everywhere, but lack of information is a whole different beast.
GenAI relies on you to ignore conditions that could destroy the industry
Not to sound the alarm for nothing, but the continued and high use of genAI will erode consumer trust, change and minimize publishing practices, dehumanize the entire process, permanently change and essentially create a new market, and cause declining interest in gaming PCs and consoles (with the latter exacerbated by the ongoing RAM and affordability crisis). Throw in the saturation of home consoles, which is unlikely, and I didn't just describe the risks of genAI – I described the various conditions contributing to the video game crash of 1983. I still don't think there will be a second video game crash, but the possible similarities are undeniable, and the end result will be bad for anyone who calls themselves a gamer.
“Joshua, get off your soapbox and get to the point of why I clicked on this article. FINE SORRY ME ME BECAUSE IT IS INTERESTING. Just look at it, pay attention to the nonsense “words” in the “game” and tell me what seems so good about this technology.
Subnautica 2 is the most requested game on Steam and comes from AI-First Company Krafton
Unknown Worlds Entertainment Subnautics is incredibly popular with fans and is at least partly the work of developers Charles Cleveland, Max McGuire and Ted Gill (the human element of the game). The sequel has so much anticipation that it kept flirting with it, staying at number one and holding the spot as the most wanted game on Steam for the whole of 2025. Steam describes Subnautica 2 as an open water survival game from “the creators Subnautics Players can explore new biomes and discover unique underwater creatures, all while crafting vehicles, tools and bases in an alien world.
Messaging is fine, but these messages were set up before the very public debacle between Krafton and Cleveland, McGuire and Gill of Unknown Worlds Entertainment began. Amidst the ongoing lawsuit, Krafton CEO Kim Chang-han has stated that Krafton is the first AI company. His workforce? Krafton has reportedly offered buyouts to employees that include several months to several years of salary, as first reported by Business Korea.
Subnautica 2 publisher reportedly asked ChatGPT for help to avoid paying $250 million
At the center of Subnautica 2 publisher Krafton's legal dispute with the co-founders of UWE is a claim that the former asked ChatGPT for help in avoiding payment.
And while plenty of people are legitimately concerned about the use of genAI in games, many don't seem to care. Will they care if they discover a fish with six fingers (and hands) inside? Subnautica 2? I'm not sure. What I am sure of is that Subnautica 2A spot on Steam's most wanted list tells many developers that genAI, and potentially AI-first companies, aren't hurting the bottom line. The world says vote with your wallet, and what is capitalism if not rigged elections? Regardless of the message from Subnautica 2'The place at the top is clear to the developers and is the place submitted by the players.
It's this AI-first attitude, the developers staying at Unknown World Entertainment, and the lawsuit Subnautica 2 will apparently launch in It currently still has an early access release date of 2026, even though some time has passed since the actual announcement or reveal Subnautica 2which did not slow down its momentum. GenAI fish are apparently the future, sorry aquariums.
