51% of Japanese game companies are using AI during development, report reveals

In a new report from Japan’s Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA), it has been revealed that over half of the companies within the country’s video gaming industry are using AI at some point during development.

The details:

• The stats, published by the Tokyo Games Show organizer (via Nikkei) last week, are based on responses from 54 Japanese game developers and publishers who are part of the CESA’s list of “member companies.” This includes major industry players such as Sega, Capcom, Konami, and Square Enix, as well as several smaller studios.
• According to the report, 51% of the studios use AI during development to generate visual assets such as videos and images of characters, as well as to create narrative and written content. Meanwhile, 32% of companies use AI technology to help develop their own game engines.
• While some companies such as Nintendo have taken a firm stance against the use of AI, others have embraced the increasingly popular technology to aid in game development. In 2024, Square Enix announced that it was planning to be "aggressive in applying AI," with companies such as Sega and EA building entire in-house teams focused on AI tools.

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