As we usher in the new year, OpenAI has quietly surfaced a pressing issue: it is grappling with a significant shortage of computing power, an essential resource for its innovative projects. This need for compute power isn’t just a casual complaint; it’s a wake-up call. In a recent video, OpenAI’s President Greg Brockman communicated a sense of urgency, conveying that the pent-up demand for products like image generation is stunting the company’s ambitions for new features and research.
This video showcased a dual narrative: an explanation for the hefty investments in data centers and a candid admission about lagging in the AI race. Brockman made it clear: compute is vital to OpenAI’s future. He noted, “OpenAI did not set out with the thesis that compute was the path to progress. It’s that we tried everything else, and the thing that worked was compute, was scale.” It’s as if he was telling investors, “Trust us, with endless spending, we’ll crack the elusive code for generating substantial revenue.”
Compute enabled our first image generation launch (and a +32% jump in WAU over the following weeks) as well as our latest image generation launch yesterday. We have a lot more coming… and need a lot more compute. pic.twitter.com/rHfQv1aLKS
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) December 17, 2025
Currently, OpenAI finds itself at a crossroads, having to prioritize which areas of its model deserve the most attention. Brockman revealed, “When we had our image generation launch in March that went viral, we did not have enough compute to keep that going. So we had to sacrifice future research efforts to support our popular deployments.” It’s a striking indication that, while OpenAI is a leader in AI innovation, it’s making tough choices that could hinder its potential down the line.
Is OpenAI Falling Behind in the AI Race?
OpenAI is certainly aware that many perceive it to be lagging in the AI competition. This sentiment intensified after Google’s Gemini 3 model made waves in the industry. In response, CEO Sam Altman declared a “code red,” pushing out updates in a hurried bid to catch up. Brockman’s remarks almost feel like an excuse, suggesting that the company’s struggles stem from its own popularity rather than a lack of innovation.
Why is Compute So Critical for OpenAI?
The importance of computing power can’t be overstated for OpenAI’s trajectory. The company recently shared an infographic titled “OpenAI’s Compute Flywheel,” illustrating how increased compute leads to better products and ultimately more revenue. This model is crucial for building a sustainable future, contrasting with the current model, which appears muddled and reactive.
What Should We Expect from OpenAI in the Future?
Brockman expressed a realistic outlook, stating, “We want to be ahead of the curve, but I don’t think we will be, no matter how ambitious we can dream.” The reality is, demand is outpacing their capacity to deliver. The public’s favorite quirks—like Altman dressed in humorous outfits—might attract attention, but they don’t substitute for the serious advancements the company aims to achieve.
What Impact Does This Have on Users?
For users and developers alike, this situation might mean slower rollouts of new features and products from OpenAI. While their solutions are currently popular, the gap between user expectations and infrastructure capacity may lead to frustration. The deliverables users anticipate might take a backseat as the company reallocates resources.
How Can OpenAI Overcome Its Compute Challenges?
One avenue OpenAI might explore is forming strategic partnerships to enhance its computing capabilities. Collaborating with cloud providers or investing in alternative data centers could help alleviate some immediate challenges. Furthermore, tapping into innovation in computing technology can provide the necessary leverage to transform its current limitations into strengths.
The slop machine giveth, and the slop machine taketh away. OpenAI stands on the brink of an important transformation. As demand escalates, so does the pressure to evolve and expand capabilities. What do you think? Is OpenAI in a position to adapt effectively? Share your thoughts below!