modl.ai: The state of QA in modern game development - sponsored by Neon
The report also covers sentiments about AI QA.
The newsletter sponsor is Neon - a high-performance direct-to-consumer solution built for games.
In September 2024, the company surveyed 303 U.S.-based developers from diverse backgrounds to better understand the role of QA in modern development.
QA in Modern Development
94% of developers reported implementing QA automation into their processes. This does not yet include AI solutions. Among them, 39% noted a high level of automation (more than half of all processes).
70.3% of developers have never released a bug-free game. The remaining 29.7%, it seems, struggled with QA efforts.
A word from our sponsor
At Neon, customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing our clients with not only top-tier technology but also the hands-on support they need to succeed. Our dedicated team works closely with studios like Metacore, PerBlue, and Space Ape to ensure they get the most out of their direct-to-consumer strategies. With transparent pricing, 24/7 player support, and a focus on performance, it’s no wonder our clients rave about their experience with Neon. If you want a partner who delivers results and a truly supportive relationship, visit Neon to learn more.
Half of the developers are either unsure or disagree that QA budgets are growing proportionally to market demands.
Only 23% of developers stated they completed all necessary QA work before releasing a game.
The Role of AI in Modern QA
94% of developers believe AI will play an important role in QA in the future.
Key benefits of using AI in QA include: faster bug detection; automated problem reporting; 24/7 testing capabilities.


65% of developers think AI is better at detecting bugs than traditional methods.
86% believe AI will speed up QA testing in the future.
Industry readiness for AI
87% of studios feel ready to integrate AI into their QA processes.
55% of studios expect positive effects on QA costs after adopting AI solutions.
Trust issues persist. Only 16% fully trust AI results. 10% do not trust them at all.
Skepticism arises from the lack of human intuition, risks of inaccuracies, and inconsistent results from AI systems.
A word from our sponsor
At Neon, customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to providing our clients with not only top-tier technology but also the hands-on support they need to succeed. Our dedicated team works closely with studios like Metacore, PerBlue, and Space Ape to ensure they get the most out of their direct-to-consumer strategies. With transparent pricing, 24/7 player support, and a focus on performance, it’s no wonder our clients rave about their experience with Neon. If you want a partner who delivers results and a truly supportive relationship, visit Neon to learn more.
51% of respondents expressed interest in working at studios that use AI for QA processes.
The main challenges with AI adoption are the complexity of setup; high costs; and resistance within teams.