GPT for Games: An Updated Scoping Review (2020-2024)
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Abstract (arXiv)
Due to GPT's impressive generative capabilities, its applications in games are expanding rapidly. To offer researchers a comprehensive understanding of the current applications and identify both emerging trends and unexplored areas, this paper introduces an updated scoping review of 177 articles, 122 of which were published in 2024, to explore GPT's potential for games. By coding and synthesizing the papers, we identify five prominent applications of GPT in current game research: procedural content generation, mixed-initiative game design, mixed-initiative gameplay, playing games, and game user research. Drawing on insights from these application areas and emerging research, we propose future studies should focus on expanding the technical boundaries of the GPT models and exploring the complex interaction dynamics between them and users. This review aims to illustrate the state of the art in innovative GPT applications in games, offering a foundation to enrich game development and enhance player experiences through cutting-edge AI innovations.
Key facts. Cited by 10 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026). Builds on 77 of its 265 references that are in the map. First posted on arXiv 1 Nov 2024.
Builds on
77 of 265 references.
References · 77
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38 more
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50 most cited of 77 All 77 (JSON)
Built on by
Citing papers per year: 2025: 5; 2026: 5.
10 papers.
- 2025GVGAI-LLM: Evaluating Large Language Model Agents with Infinite Gamescited by 9
- 2025UrzaGPT: LoRA-Tuned Large Language Models for Card Selection in Collectible Card Gamescited by 2
- 2025How LLMs are Shaping the Future of Virtual Realitycited by 1
- 2025Meta-Evaluating Local LLMs: Rethinking Performance Metrics for Serious Gamescited by 0
- 2025Automated Item Neutralization for Non-Cognitive Scales: A Large Language Model Approach to Reducing Social-Desirability Biascited by 0
- 2026Bridging Pedagogy and Play: Introducing a Language Mapping Interface for Human-AI Co-Creation in Educational Game Designcited by 0
- 2026The Garden of Forking Paths: Threading Narrative Archetype as a Semantic Signal Through Gameplay Planningcited by 0
- 2026An Exploratory Case Study of LLM-Assisted Refactoring and Gameplay Feature Generation in an Endless Runner Gamecited by 0
- 2026AI Native Games: A Survey and Roadmapcited by 0
- 2026Game AI Not Fun? A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis on the Differences in Enjoyment between Human and Computer Opponentscited by 0
- 2026AI Native Games: A Survey and Roadmap1 Jul 2026
- 2026An Exploratory Case Study of LLM-Assisted Refactoring and Gameplay Feature Generation in an Endless Runner Game19 Jun 2026
- 2026Game AI Not Fun? A Scoping Review and Meta-Analysis on the Differences in Enjoyment between Human and Computer Opponents22 May 2026
- 2026The Garden of Forking Paths: Threading Narrative Archetype as a Semantic Signal Through Gameplay Planning2 May 2026
- 2026Bridging Pedagogy and Play: Introducing a Language Mapping Interface for Human-AI Co-Creation in Educational Game Design4 Mar 2026
- 2025Automated Item Neutralization for Non-Cognitive Scales: A Large Language Model Approach to Reducing Social-Desirability Bias9 Sep 2025
- 2025GVGAI-LLM: Evaluating Large Language Model Agents with Infinite Games11 Aug 2025
- 2025UrzaGPT: LoRA-Tuned Large Language Models for Card Selection in Collectible Card Games11 Aug 2025
- 2025How LLMs are Shaping the Future of Virtual Reality1 Aug 2025
- 2025Meta-Evaluating Local LLMs: Rethinking Performance Metrics for Serious Games13 Apr 2025