A new Google Cloud survey shows that nearly nine in ten game developers have integrated AI agents into their workflow. These autonomous programs generate assets and interact with players in real time, adapting game worlds and NPCs to boost immersion.
Smaller studios are benefiting from AI, with nearly a third saying it lowers barriers to entry and allows them to compete with larger publishers. Developers report faster coding, testing, localisation, and onboarding, while larger companies face challenges adapting legacy systems to new AI tools.
AI-powered tools are also deployed to moderate online communities, guide tutorials, and respond dynamically to players.
While AI is praised as a productivity multiplier and creative copilot, some developers warn that a lack of standards can lead to errors and quality issues. Human creativity remains central, with many studios using AI to enhance gameplay rather than replace artistic and narrative input.
Developers stress the importance of maintaining unique styles and creative integrity while leveraging AI to unlock new experiences.
Industry experts highlight that gamers are receptive to AI when it deepens immersion and storytelling, but sceptical if it appears to shortcut the creative process. The survey shows that developers view AI as a long-term asset that can be used to reshape how games are made and experienced.
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Applied Digital is expanding in North Dakota with Polaris Forge 2, a $3 billion AI factory breaking ground in September 2025. The Harwood site will add 280 megawatts of capacity by 2027, cementing the state’s role in US AI infrastructure.
The project reflects demand and Applied Digital’s push to deliver high-performance compute power at scale. CEO Wes Cummins confirmed strong partner interest, including discussions with a US hyperscaler, and stated that the development will enhance growth and community value.
North Dakota has become a key destination for data centres, with abundant power, land, and a business-friendly climate. Polaris Forge 2 builds on the success of the Ellendale campus, with over 900 acres contracted and energy secured from Cass County Electric Cooperative.
The campus will employ more than 200 staff and contractors upon completion of operations. Governor Kelly Armstrong welcomed the investment, praising Applied Digital’s housing and workforce initiatives in Ellendale as a model for rural innovation and economic resilience.
Commerce Commissioner Chris Schilken said the Harwood site extends that success, reinforcing North Dakota as a hub for sustainable AI infrastructure. Applied Digital sees Polaris Forge 2 as advancing its mission to deliver innovation while driving local development and long-term growth.
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Nexon launched an investigation after players spotted several suspicious adverts for The First Descendant on TikTok that appeared to have been generated by AI.
One advertisement allegedly used a content creator’s likeness without permission, sparking concerns about the misuse of digital identities.
The company issued a statement acknowledging ‘irregularities’ in its TikTok Creative Challenge, a campaign that lets creators voluntarily submit content for advertising.
While Nexon confirmed that all videos had been verified through TikTok’s system, it admitted that some submissions may have been produced in inappropriate circumstances.
Nexon apologised for the delay in informing players, saying the review took longer than expected. It confirmed that a joint investigation with TikTok is underway to determine what happened, and it was promised that updates would be provided once the process is complete.
The developer has not yet addressed the allegation from creator DanieltheDemon, who claims his likeness was used without consent.
The controversy has added to ongoing debates about AI’s role in advertising and protecting creators’ rights.
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Pakistan’s Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives has launched a national innovation competition to drive the development of AI solutions in priority sectors. The initiative aims to attract top talent to develop impactful health, education, agriculture, industry, and governance projects.
Minister Ahsan Iqbal said AI is no longer a distant prospect but a present reality that is already transforming economies. He described the competition as a milestone in Pakistan’s digital history and urged the nation to embrace AI’s global momentum.
Iqbal stressed that algorithms now shape decisions more than traditional markets, warning that technological dependence must be avoided. Pakistan, he argued, must actively participate in the AI revolution or risk being left behind by more advanced economies.
He highlighted AI’s potential to predict crop diseases, aid doctors in diagnosis, and deliver quality education to every child nationwide. He said Pakistan will not be a bystander but an emerging leader in shaping the digital future.
The government has begun integrating AI into curricula and expanding capacity-building initiatives. Officials expect the competition to unlock new opportunities for innovation, empowering youth and driving sustainable development across the country.
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The European Commission will convene video game professionals in Cologne for the third consecutive year on August 20 and 21. The visit aims to follow developments in the industry, present the future EU budget, and outline opportunities under the upcoming AgoraEU programme.
EU Officials will also discuss AI adoption, new investment opportunities, and ways to protect minors in gaming. Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director-General of DG CONNECT, will deliver a keynote speech and join a panel titled ‘Investment in games – is it finally happening?’.
The European Commission highlights the role of gaming in Europe’s cultural diversity and innovation. Creative Europe MEDIA has already supported nearly 180 projects since 2021. At Gamescom, its booth will feature 79 companies from 24 countries, offering fresh networking opportunities to video game professionals.
The engagement comes just before the release of the second edition of the ‘European Media Industry Outlook’ report. The updated study will provide deeper insights into consumer behaviour and market trends, with a dedicated focus on the video games sector.
Gamescom remains the world’s largest gaming event, with 1,500 exhibitors from 72 nations in 2025. The event celebrates creative and technological achievements, highlighting the industry’s growing importance for Europe’s competitiveness and digital economy.
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Apple is again exploring AI-powered robotics, reportedly working on prototypes including a tabletop assistant and lifelike upgrades to Siri. A home display may launch in 2026, with a robot device expected in 2027, though neither is confirmed for release.
One concept, codenamed J595 and the ‘Pixar Lamp,’ features a swivelling screen on a robotic arm that tracks user movement. The robot is a personal assistant that responds to conversations using facial recognition and motorised movement.
Other prototypes under evaluation include mobile bots and humanoid robots for industrial use.
The devices would run Apple’s new internal software platform, ‘Charismatic,’ designed for voice commands, personalised content, and smart home automation. Apple has not confirmed robotics, but CEO Tim Cook highlighted the company’s AI focus, hinting at upcoming innovations.
Experts note that domestic humanoid robots are still far from mainstream adoption. Gary Marcus, an AI expert and NYU professor, said Apple’s focus on privacy, security, and design suggests that future humanoid robots could benefit from its integrated hardware and software.
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OpenAI has updated GPT-5 to make its tone noticeably warmer and more engaging, without reverting to the overly flattering style some users criticised in GPT-4o. The change is rolling out, aiming to balance emotional resonance with substance.
CEO Sam Altman stated the adjustment directly responds to users finding GPT-5 too formal or robotic. The update is subtle yet visible, enhancing conversational warmth while avoiding sycophantic tendencies.
OpenAI also expands user control by offering three interaction modes, Auto, Fast, and Thinking, which adapt response style to user preference. These changes empower users to shape the tone and depth of their AI interactions.
Reacting to public frustration, OpenAI has reinstated GPT-4o (along with GPT-4.1, o3, and GPT-5 Thinking mini) for paid subscribers, while promising more customisation options in future updates.
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Japanese technology giant SoftBank has announced plans to buy a $2 billion stake in Intel, signalling a stronger push into the American semiconductor industry.
The investment comes as Washington debates greater government involvement in the sector, with reports suggesting President Donald Trump is weighing a US government stake in the chipmaker.
SoftBank will purchase Intel’s common stock at $23 per share. Its chairman, Masayoshi Son, said semiconductors remain the backbone of every industry and expressed confidence that advanced chip manufacturing will expand in the US, with Intel playing a central role.
The move follows SoftBank’s increasing investments in the US, including its role in the $500 billion ‘Stargate’ AI project announced earlier this year.
Once a dominant force in Silicon Valley, Intel has struggled against rivals such as Nvidia and AMD. Under new CEO Lip-Bu Tan, the company is cutting 15% of its workforce and reducing costs to stabilise operations.
After a private meeting, Trump recently criticised Tan’s leadership but later softened his stance.
Shares in both companies slipped following the announcement, with SoftBank down 2.2% in Tokyo and Intel falling 3.7% in New York.
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The African Development Bank has strengthened Africa’s digital journey by backing a landmark AI training initiative linked to Agenda 2063. The effort aims to accelerate the continent’s long-term strategy, ‘The Africa We Want,’ by equipping states with practical expertise.
Through its Joint Secretariat Support Office, the Bank gave both technical and financial backing to the 5th Annual Training Workshop. The event focused on applying AI to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting under the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063.
The Lusaka workshop, co-hosted by the African Union Commission and the African Capacity Building Foundation, featured sessions with Ailyse, ChatGPT, Google AI Studio, Google Gemini, and Perplexity. Delegates explored embedding AI insights into analytics for stronger policymaking and accountability.
By investing in institutional capacity, the AfDB and partners aim to advance AI-enabled solutions that improve policy interventions, resource allocation, and national priorities. The initiative reflects a broader effort to integrate digital tools into Africa’s governance structures.
The workshop also fostered peer learning, allowing delegates to share best practices in digital monitoring frameworks. By driving AI adoption in planning and results delivery, the AfDB underlines its role as a partner in Africa’s transformation.
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Tredence has launched Milky Way, a multi-agent, multi-turn system that uses autonomous AI agents to accelerate enterprise decision-making. The platform introduces specialised agents that collaborate like digital co-workers, combining reasoning and execution to deliver outcomes at scale.
The system addresses a common challenge: converting enterprise data into timely and actionable insights. The Milky Way incorporates over 15 prebuilt agents across key business roles and more than 50 specialised agents trained on real-world enterprise scenarios.
Agents span critical functions, from marketing analysts optimising campaigns to supply chain analysts anticipating disruptions. Technical agents, such as anomaly detection and Text-to-SQL, complement them by handling operational complexity with accuracy and transparency.
Early trials have shown striking results, with companies reporting up to five times faster insights and 50% lower analytics costs. Global retailers cut manual effort by 60%, while healthcare providers streamlined patient data aggregation and triage, supporting speedier diagnosis.
Designed for enterprise-grade use, Milky Way integrates seamlessly with existing data systems, offering role-based access, full audit trails, and domain expertise. Tredence positions it as a step towards AI agents that deliver context-aware, scalable business outcomes.
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