Microsoft wants King employees to use AI on a daily basis.
According to a new report from mobilegamer.biz, employees at the studio behind Candy Crush were given a mandate to continually use AI for general tasks.
Sources told the outlet that AI usage was “introduced by Microsoft as mandatory a while ago”. They say that in 2024, the goal was to have “70 or 80% daily usage of AI”. That goal was pushed to 100% for 2025, meaning that “every artist, designer, developer, even managers have to use it” daily.
King was one of the studios hit hardest by Microsoft’s round of layoffs back in July, with 200 people being let go. At the time, it was revealed via an internal memo that the studio was going to “unlock” more AI tools for productivity” and that many employees will be “replaced by the AI tools they built and trained.” Those tools include ones for narrative, testing, and level design.
As far as adoption goes, one source told Mobile Gamer that “AI adoption is very low apart from ChatGPT” and that even the leadership at King is skeptical of AI’s role in the studio.
Insider Gaming has reached out to King and Microsoft regarding these claims. Should a response be received, it will be added to this story.
For more Insider Gaming, read about how Activision not having skins carry over between Call of Duty games in the name of authenticity isn’t something new. And don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Mike has been covering the gaming industry since 2012, and has reported on some of the largest events in the industry while also working as an investigative reporter. Outside of…
More from Mike Straw
They should and Microsoft should buy Take 2