### The Impact of the RAM Shortage on Gaming and Technology

The ongoing RAM shortage, exacerbated by a surge in demand from data centers powering generative AI applications, is having a more profound effect on the tech industry than the infamous Great GPU Famine of 2020. As a result, gaming hardware manufacturers are grappling with rising prices and limited supply, leading to a ripple effect across gaming and technology sectors.

#### The Decline of Reliable Manufacturers

One of the most significant outcomes of the RAM shortage is the unfortunate decline of established memory and SSD manufacturers. As companies prioritize contracts with AI firms over retail and general consumers, the availability of affordable RAM has dwindled dramatically. This situation has left gamers and PC builders in a precarious position, struggling to either find or afford necessary upgrades.

#### Changes in Game Development

This RAM crisis has extended its reach to game development, as highlighted by the comments from Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke. While discussing the upcoming installment in their Divinity franchise, Vincke noted that the unpredictability of future PC performance due to limited RAM options has necessitated additional optimization work during early access. This adaptation, while potentially beneficial for players with lower-end systems, underscores the broader challenges developers face in a rapidly changing hardware landscape.

Vincke clarified that despite leveraging AI technology during production, Larian is not compromising on the integrity of their gameplay. The studio has limited its AI application to non-core areas such as placeholder text, ensuring that design and creative processes remain firmly in human hands. However, this approach does raise questions about the broader implications of AI’s increasing role in development, particularly regarding environmental impacts and labor concerns.

#### Economic Ramifications

The implications of the RAM shortage extend beyond game performance. The continuing rise in prices is expected to persist into 2026, affecting manufacturing costs for laptops, pre-built PCs, and gaming consoles. Consumers will inevitably bear these increased costs, putting pressure on affordability in an already competitive market. Furthermore, Valve is rumored to be reevaluating the pricing and launch timelines for its new Steam Machine in response to these dynamics.

#### GPU Production Cuts

The situation is not isolated to RAM alone. Major players in the graphics processing unit (GPU) market, such as Nvidia, are also feeling the consequences. Reports indicate that Nvidia is planning to significantly reduce its GPU production due to a lack of GDDR7 memory, a direct consequence of the RAM shortage. While the company has seen financial success from supplying hardware to the generative AI sector, this has not insulated them from the ramifications of the broader supply chain crisis.

### Conclusion

The ongoing RAM shortage is a multifaceted issue with sweeping repercussions for the gaming and tech industries. As prices rise and supply dwindles, both consumers and developers must navigate a challenging landscape. While companies like Larian strive to adapt and optimize their offerings, the underlying issues of RAM availability are likely to persist, reshaping the future of hardware and its impact on gaming experiences for years to come.