Krafton Shifts to AI-First Game Development
▼ Summary
– Krafton is implementing an “AI First” strategy to automate work and create an AI-centered management system across the company.
– The company will invest over 100 billion Korean won (nearly $70 million) to build a GPU cluster for AI workflow automation and R&D.
– Krafton aims to complete its AI platform by the second half of next year and will invest ₩30 billion annually for employee AI tool adoption.
– The company will restructure its HR and organizational operations to support the new AI-focused strategy.
– Other tech companies like Shopify and Duolingo are also integrating AI, and investors expect AI-based cost cuts to boost profits at companies like EA.
The video game developer Krafton, known for creating PUBG: Battlegrounds and the life simulation title InZOI, is embracing a major corporate transformation by adopting an “AI First” philosophy. This strategic shift involves deploying agentic artificial intelligence to automate various tasks and establishing a management framework that revolves around AI technologies. A translated company announcement outlines these ambitious changes, signaling a deep commitment to integrating AI across the organization.
To support this initiative, Krafton is making a substantial financial investment exceeding 100 billion Korean won, which is nearly $70 million. This capital is earmarked for constructing a powerful GPU cluster. The company intends to use this new infrastructure to achieve several goals, including automating internal workflows, enhancing its research and development capabilities in artificial intelligence, and improving AI-driven features within its games. Krafton has set a target to finalize the development of its comprehensive AI platform during the latter half of next year.
Beyond infrastructure, the company is dedicating approximately ₩30 billion annually to empower its workforce. This recurring investment is designed to help employees effectively incorporate AI tools into their daily responsibilities. Furthermore, Krafton will undertake a significant restructuring of its human resources and overall organizational operations to fully align with and support the new “AI First” direction.
Krafton is not alone in recognizing the operational advantages of artificial intelligence. Other technology firms, including Shopify and Duolingo, have also made AI a central component of their internal systems. Within the gaming sector, this trend appears to be gaining momentum. For instance, a Financial Times report indicated that the investors planning to take Electronic Arts private are making a significant wager. They are betting that cost reductions achieved through AI implementation will dramatically increase EA’s profitability in the years ahead.
(Source: The Verge)