What's Happening?
Hyung-tae Kim, CEO of Shift Up, a South Korean game development studio, argues that smaller nations like South Korea must adopt AI technology to remain competitive with larger countries such as China and
the US. Speaking at South Korea's 2026 Economic Growth Strategy event, Kim highlighted the disparity in manpower between South Korean and Chinese game studios, with the latter employing significantly more staff. Kim believes that AI can help smaller studios maximize their resources and enhance productivity. He suggests that AI could enable one trained developer to perform the work of many, thus leveling the playing field in the global market.
Why It's Important?
The adoption of AI technology is crucial for smaller nations seeking to compete in the global market, particularly in industries like game development where manpower and resources are significant factors. By leveraging AI, smaller studios can enhance their productivity and creativity, allowing them to compete with larger counterparts. This approach not only helps preserve jobs but also encourages the development of new skills among developers. The successful integration of AI could lead to increased innovation and competitiveness, enabling smaller nations to maintain a strong presence in the global tech industry.
