Shift Up CEO Hyung-tae Kim advocates for artificial intelligence adoption as a crucial strategy for countries like South Korea. He believes it is essential to maintain competitiveness against the extensive manpower of larger nations, including China and the United States, in the global game development sector.
Speaking at South Korea’s 2026 Economic Growth Strategy event, Kim emphasized that AI is not merely an option but a vital tool for survival and growth. The global gaming industry is a high-stakes arena where development scale often dictates market presence and innovation.
Smaller economies frequently struggle to match the sheer volume of human resources deployed by industry giants. Kim’s remarks highlight a growing sentiment among tech leaders, acknowledging a fundamental disparity in workforce capacity that AI could potentially bridge for these nations.
AI as a force multiplier in game development
Kim articulated a stark reality: a studio like Shift Up dedicates around 150 people to a single game. Chinese competitors, however, can deploy between 1,000 to 2,000 staff. This significant human capital gap challenges smaller studios, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz.
According to Kim, generative AI could enable one trained developer to “perform the work of 100 people.” This approach effectively maximizes headcount and safeguards jobs by enhancing developer value through AI proficiency. It offers a solution to the manpower disparity.
For nations that “lack the capacity to compete, both in terms of quality and volume of content,” as Kim noted, leveraging AI becomes a strategic imperative. This shifts focus from raw numbers to technological prowess, allowing more efficient allocation of talent. It suggests innovation and smart tool application will drive future success.
Navigating the AI debate and industry perspectives
While AI’s potential is undeniable, its integration into creative industries, especially game development, remains highly divisive. Concerns about job displacement and the authenticity of AI-generated content frequently surface. However, Kim positions AI as an augmentative force, not a replacement for human talent.
His perspective reframes the conversation around AI from a threat to an opportunity. It promotes upskilling and competitive advantage. The industry itself presents varied approaches to AI adoption, reflecting ongoing internal debates.
For instance, Belgian developer Larian Studios, known for its RPG Divinity series, recently clarified its stance. Initial reports sparked backlash, but CEO Swen Vincke confirmed generative AI would not be used for concept art in their upcoming RPG. He later stated the company had explored the technology “to explore things,” not to replace artists.
This clarification was also reported by GamesIndustry.biz. This contrast highlights the ongoing ethical and practical discussions within the industry. The discourse initiated by Shift Up’s CEO underscores a critical juncture for smaller nations in the digital economy.
Embracing AI may be their most viable path to not only compete but thrive against larger global players. This strategic adoption could redefine benchmarks for efficiency and innovation. Ultimately, it aims to ensure a more balanced and diverse future for the global game development landscape, allowing smaller entities to carve out significant roles.
