Here’s a bold statement: smaller nations like South Korea are facing an existential crisis in the global tech and gaming industries—unless they embrace AI, they risk being left in the dust by powerhouses like China and the US. But here’s where it gets controversial: is AI the savior or the disruptor? Let’s dive in.
Hyung-tae Kim, the CEO of Shift Up—the studio behind hits like Stellar Blade and Goddess of Victory: Nikke—recently made waves at South Korea’s 2026 Economic Growth Strategy event. His argument? Countries with smaller workforces have no choice but to adopt AI if they want to stay competitive. Here’s the eye-opening comparison he shared: while Shift Up dedicates around 150 people to a single game, Chinese studios can mobilize anywhere from 1,000 to 2,000. That’s a 10x difference in manpower. And this is the part most people miss: Kim isn’t just talking about scaling up—he’s arguing that AI can safeguard jobs by making developers more valuable if they’re trained in AI technology.
Kim’s stance is particularly provocative because it challenges the traditional view of AI as a job-stealing force. Instead, he envisions a future where one AI-trained developer could potentially perform the work of 100 people. For a country like South Korea, which Kim believes lacks the capacity to compete in terms of both quality and volume of content, this could be a game-changer. But it’s not without its critics. The use of AI in creative industries remains a hugely divisive topic, with many fearing it could devalue human creativity and expertise.
Speaking of controversy, let’s shift gears to Belgian developer Larian Studios. After CEO Swen Vincke hinted at using generative AI for concept art in the upcoming RPG Divinity, the studio faced a fierce backlash. Vincke quickly clarified that AI wasn’t replacing artists but was merely being used to “explore things.” Still, the incident underscores the tension between innovation and tradition in the industry.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is AI a necessary tool for smaller nations to level the playing field, or does its adoption risk eroding the unique human touch that makes creative industries thrive? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
