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Recently, the Computer Entertainment Suppliers Association (CESA) of Japan released a survey report showing that 51% of Japanese game companies have started using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to varying degrees. The survey was conducted between June and July this year, with participation from many well-known game developers, such as Capcom, Level-5, Square Enix, and Sega, covering both major developers and independent developers.
Image source note: The image is generated by AI, and the image licensing service provider is Midjourney
According to the survey results, these companies are using AI to generate visual game assets, create story plots and text content, and assist in programming work. In addition, 32% of the participating companies stated that they are also using AI to develop their own game engines. Although the potential applications of generative AI in the gaming industry have sparked widespread discussion, its actual penetration rate has been surprisingly low, especially in the Japanese market.
Among them, companies like Level-5 and Capcom have publicly acknowledged the use of AI technology. Level-5 widely applies AI in multiple stages, including image super-resolution processing, character design, and code generation. However, there is a significant difference of opinion within the industry regarding the specific application of generative AI in game development. Many industry professionals agree that it is reasonable to use AI to accelerate repetitive coding or animation production, but if the intention is to replace the role of human artists, it has sparked heated debates.
Because of this, some companies are more cautious when adopting AI technology. Nintendo has explicitly stated that due to concerns over copyright, it will avoid using generative AI for now. For this company, which has always used legal means to protect intellectual property, this choice reflects its consistent position. At the same time, other major manufacturers have also called for responsible adoption of AI technology, protecting the human creativity in game development.
Swen Vincke, CEO of Larian Studios, expressed his views on this. In an interview last year, he pointed out that AI is a tool to improve efficiency, and the team recently hired 15 new concept artists to solve capacity bottlenecks, rather than relying on AI solutions.
Key Points:
🌟 51% of Japanese game companies have started using AI technology, with applications including the generation of visual assets and story creation.
🎮 Some companies, such as Nintendo, have chosen not to use generative AI due to copyright concerns, showing the industry's division on the application of AI technology.
🤖 The CEO of Larian Studios stated that AI should be used as a tool to improve efficiency, not to replace human artists in the creative process.