“Baldur's Gate 3” publishing director opposes Square Enix's AI QA plan
Blog Andrew Joseph 08 Nov , 2025 0
Earlier this week, Square Enix revealed its ambitions to slash its quality assurance staff and use generative artificial intelligence. Handles 70% of game QA and debugging. The company went on to note that it wants to “build a competitive advantage in game development.” However, Baldur's Gate 3 developer Larian's publishing director Michael Douse criticized Square Enix, calling its plans “stupid.”
“As a result, QA is one of the most involved video game personnel in any company,” Douse wrote above X. “They are an integral part of your community team and the publishing industry. They give you real feedback. They know what's good and what's bad before the audience does, and they are the most resilient sector.”
“The idea that QA people can be replaced en masse is silly, because it's the idea that conversations with them can be replaced, which they can't,” Duce added. “They’re a very beneficial atmosphere check.”
Duss also noted that QA jobs are often gateway positions for those looking to break into the video game industry. He warned that losing quality inspectors could cost future designers and other positions.
QA is not an entry level job per se, but I would also add that you won't find a lead designer without a portal into the industry. This is a stupid path. You want to be able to put people in great positions where they can grow and help you grow!
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) November 6, 2025
In a subsequent post, Douse noted Square Enix plans to save $19.6 million Outsource QA to AI. He also questioned why the company wasn't firing executives if it was so desperate to save money.
The expected annual savings of $19.6 million – while a substantial sum in real life – are not very large for a AAA company. If things are so bad, where are the executive “cuts”? I'm pretty sure these games don't fail due to QA, distribution, etc. https://t.co/MCJw16kBHz
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) November 7, 2025
There are reports that Square Enix is already working on massive layoffs. Square Enix isn't the only video game company embracing artificial intelligence. Electronic Arts has reportedly instructed its employees to treat artificial intelligence as “thought partner” A recent survey also found More than 50% of Japanese game publishers use artificial intelligence in some way. Famous game developers Hideo Kojima and Glenn Schofield both said AI tools should be embraced In game creation.