Krafton, The Publisher Behind PUBG and Subnautica, Unveils 'AI First' Strategy with Voluntary Resignation Policy
South Korean gaming giant Krafton has announced its transformation into an "AI-first" company, a move that signals significant changes for the organization. According to Eurogamer, this shift in strategy is expected to lead to job cuts as the company aims to support its employees in adapting to the era of artificial intelligence.
While the exact number of jobs at risk is unclear, Krafton has confirmed that it will be offering voluntary resignations to help staff members design their own growth direction and explore new challenges within or outside the company. However, critics argue that this is a euphemism for "my way or the highway," where employees are being forced to choose between staying with the company's AI-driven vision.
Krafton owns several popular franchises, including PUBG and Hi-Fi Rush, and has recently reported record profits. These gains will likely be invested in large-scale AI projects, including an AI-centered management system that aims to automate work centered on agentic AI. The company is also freezing all hiring except for those developing original intellectual property and AI-related personnel.
However, recent studies have shown that agentic AI systems are often underwhelming when tasked with taking the reins. A MIT study found that 95% of generative AI pilots at companies are failing, while another predicts that 40% of agentic AI projects will be cancelled by the end of 2027. As Krafton embarks on this new strategy, it appears to be walking into a minefield.
The company's CFO, Bae Dong-geun, has emphasized the need for individual productivity to increase across all levels of the organization. It remains to be seen how this will translate into tangible benefits for employees and whether the rewards will outweigh the risks.
South Korean gaming giant Krafton has announced its transformation into an "AI-first" company, a move that signals significant changes for the organization. According to Eurogamer, this shift in strategy is expected to lead to job cuts as the company aims to support its employees in adapting to the era of artificial intelligence.
While the exact number of jobs at risk is unclear, Krafton has confirmed that it will be offering voluntary resignations to help staff members design their own growth direction and explore new challenges within or outside the company. However, critics argue that this is a euphemism for "my way or the highway," where employees are being forced to choose between staying with the company's AI-driven vision.
Krafton owns several popular franchises, including PUBG and Hi-Fi Rush, and has recently reported record profits. These gains will likely be invested in large-scale AI projects, including an AI-centered management system that aims to automate work centered on agentic AI. The company is also freezing all hiring except for those developing original intellectual property and AI-related personnel.
However, recent studies have shown that agentic AI systems are often underwhelming when tasked with taking the reins. A MIT study found that 95% of generative AI pilots at companies are failing, while another predicts that 40% of agentic AI projects will be cancelled by the end of 2027. As Krafton embarks on this new strategy, it appears to be walking into a minefield.
The company's CFO, Bae Dong-geun, has emphasized the need for individual productivity to increase across all levels of the organization. It remains to be seen how this will translate into tangible benefits for employees and whether the rewards will outweigh the risks.
like seriously Krafton is just going full AI now lol what's next gonna be robots in the office working with us 
i know some ppl think its cool but what about all the jobs that are gonna get cut tho? idk man I just hope they got a solid plan in place or else it's gonna be like Fallout 76 
and we're all stuck in this AI purgatory
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. And let's be real, agentic AI systems are still in their infancy. It's one thing to automate tasks, but it's another thing altogether to have an AI system actually drive the company forward.
. And what about those employees who are left behind? They might end up being stuck in a management system that's still in beta 
. It's all very high-risk, low-reward at this point in my opinion 
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... I mean, have they thought through the consequences? They're basically putting all their eggs in one basket and hoping it pays off. Job cuts and voluntary resignations might sound like a good way to streamline things, but what about all the talented devs who are being forced out without a safety net? I've seen too many startups come and go, promising the world and delivering nothing but heartache 
. And let's be real, AI can only do so much - it's not a replacement for human ingenuity and creativity 
. What's to stop Krafton from just becoming another soulless corporate giant that doesn't care about its employees? Only time will tell if this "AI-first" approach will pay off or just leave everyone feeling burned 
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. I hope they're doing their research and not just jumping into it blindly 
Krafton's move sounds like a bold step but also kinda scary, what happens to all the devs who wanna make games not just AI systems? 
I'm worried about the future of gaming jobs, I mean, who knows what the next big thing is gonna be? 
They're just abandoning their people like that! Voluntary resignations? Are they kidding me?! 
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but what if they're just throwing good players under the bus? Like, what if they can't find people who are down with that whole "AI or die" vibe? 
And don't even get me started on these agentic AI systems... I've been following those MIT studies and it's like, 95% of generative AI pilots failing? That's wild 
. I hope they reconsider or at least provide more support for the employees who need it 
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. In fact, with all the agentic AI systems failing out there (95% of generative AI pilots are failing, yikes!), I'm not convinced Krafton can pull off a seamless transition without, you know, some major layoffs 
. And what's with the "voluntary resignations" thing? Sounds like they're trying to pawn off their responsibility on employees 
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95% of generative ai pilots are failing 
anyway Kraftons CEO wants 2 make it easier for ppl 2 leave tho maybe thats a good ting lol some1 will finally take their skills 2 another company 
. Offering voluntary resignations can be a way to help people take control of their own futures, even if it means leaving the company behind. But at the same time, I hope they're not just using that as an excuse to get rid of people who aren't "AI-friendly" 
. Only time will tell if it pays off!