Candy Crush developer King is facing backlash after reportedly replacing laid off staff with AI tools they developed. Following a significant wave of layoffs affecting around 200 employees, sources revealed that the company is now opting for AI-driven solutions for tasks previously handled by human workers. This approach focuses on improving efficiency and profitability, despite the company's strong overall performance. Key aspects of level design and content creation are now being managed by AI systems, leading to concerns about job security and the degradation of human roles within the industry. The transition has sparked outrage among some employees who feel that the company's HR practices disproportionately prioritize the company over its staff.

nHow is AI impacting the workforce in gaming companies like King?

AI is increasingly replacing human roles in gaming companies, leading to significant layoffs and concerns over job security. In the case of King, tasks such as level design and content creation, which were traditionally performed by teams of people, are now being handed over to AI tools. While this shift is aimed at enhancing efficiency and profitability, it raises ethical questions regarding the future of employment in the gaming sector.

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King, known for its flagship game Candy Crush Saga, has spent years developing AI technology, especially after acquiring the Swedish AI firm Peltarion in 2022. The aim was to create a scalable system that allows for rapid level generation and creative enhancements. However, the transition appears to have come at the cost of job security for many staff, leading to a contentious debate about the role of AI in the gaming industry.