After programmers and artists, QA testers are next: Google’s new AI can play and test in-development games, and some publishers are all over it
Square Enix is working with Google to use Gemini for automated quality assurance in game development, including playing in-development games and testing them through on-screen analysis, audio cues and in-game controls. The move matters because it could accelerate repetitive testing work and lower costs, while raising concerns about the effect on QA jobs and the reliability of AI-led testing.
The publisher discussed the initiative at Google Cloud Next Tokyo ’26 and says increased workloads have encouraged greater use of AI. Square Enix has also received support from Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to develop an AI-powered QA platform; the article notes that proponents expect it to free developers for creative work, while critics fear missed issues and additional work caused by AI errors.
- Square Enix is developing AI-assisted game QA with Google’s Gemini.
- The system can reportedly play games and assess on-screen and audio changes.
- Supporters cite efficiency; critics warn of job losses and unreliable testing.