In a recent survey conducted by the Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) between June and July, it was revealed that a significant 51% of Japanese game companies are integrating artificial intelligence into their operations. This survey gathered insights from a diverse range of CESA member companies, including industry giants such as Capcom, Level-5, Square Enix, and Sega, as well as numerous indie developers.
AI Applications in Game Development
The responses highlighted various applications of AI within the gaming sector. Companies reported utilizing AI for:
- Generating visual game assets
- Story and text generation
- Programming assistance
Moreover, 32% of the surveyed companies indicated that they are employing AI technologies to aid in the development of in-house game engines, showcasing a trend towards innovation and efficiency in the gaming landscape.
Level-5, for example, has embraced AI extensively, leveraging it for tasks ranging from visual upscaling to character creation and even code generation. However, not all companies are on the same page regarding the use of generative AI. Capcom, known for its stringent approach to copyright issues, has opted to steer clear of generative AI for the time being, reflecting a commitment to maintaining legal integrity in their creative processes.
Conversely, voices from the industry, such as Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke, advocate for a balanced approach to AI integration. In an interview with IGN last year, Vincke articulated his perspective on AI as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for human creativity. He stated, “So my stance on AI is really straightforward. It is a tool that we use to help us do things faster. We have so much work that we’re happy to take assistance from anything. I don’t think it’ll ever replace [the] creative side of things.” To address workflow bottlenecks, Vincke’s team recently expanded their roster by hiring 15 new concept artists, emphasizing the importance of human talent in the creative process.
