Capcom Experimenting With Generative AI to Create 'Hundreds of Thousands of Unique Ideas' Needed to Build In-Game Environments

Capcom Leverages Generative AI for Enhanced Game Development Efficiency

Facing escalating video game development costs, game publishers are increasingly turning to AI tools to streamline workflows and reduce expenses. This trend is evident in recent reports, such as Activision's alleged use of AI for Call of Duty assets and EA's declaration of AI as central to its operations. Capcom, a prominent game developer, is actively exploring AI's potential, focusing on a specific area of game development.

In a recent interview with Google Cloud Japan, Capcom's technical director Kazuki Abe (known for his work on titles like Monster Hunter: World and Exoprimal) detailed the company's AI experimentation. Abe highlighted the significant time and resources dedicated to generating the vast number of unique ideas required for game environments. He cited the creation of in-game objects, such as televisions, each needing unique designs, logos, and shapes, resulting in the need for "hundreds of thousands of ideas."

The traditional process involves numerous design proposals, each accompanied by illustrations and text for communication with art directors and artists. Recognizing the potential for efficiency gains, Abe developed a system employing generative AI. This system processes game design documents and generates design ideas, accelerating the development process and iteratively refining its output.

Abe's prototype utilizes multiple AI models, including Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, and has reportedly received positive internal feedback. The anticipated outcome is a substantial cost reduction compared to manual creation, coupled with potential quality improvements.

Currently, Capcom's AI implementation is confined to this specific system. Other critical aspects of game development, such as core gameplay mechanics, programming, character design, and overall game vision, remain firmly under human control.