Capcom Embraces AI to Revolutionize Game Development

Capcom is exploring generative AI to streamline the creation of the vast number of design concepts required for its game environments – a process currently involving "hundreds of thousands" of unique ideas.

The rising costs of video game development are pushing publishers towards AI tools, despite ongoing controversy. Activision, for example, reportedly used AI for a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 cosmetic item and a loading screen, sparking criticism from fans. EA has even declared AI "the very core" of its business.

In a recent interview with Google Cloud Japan, Capcom's Technical Director Kazuki Abe (known for his work on Monster Hunter: World and Exoprimal) detailed the company's AI experiments. Abe highlighted the significant time and manpower dedicated to generating countless unique design ideas, citing even simple objects like televisions needing individual designs, logos, and shapes. He explained the process involves multiple design proposals—with accompanying illustrations and text—for thousands or tens of thousands of such assets per game.

To address this efficiency bottleneck, Abe developed a system utilizing generative AI. This system processes game design documents and generates design concepts, accelerating the development process. The AI iteratively refines its output based on self-generated feedback.

Abe's prototype, leveraging AI models like Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, has reportedly received positive internal feedback. The anticipated outcome is a substantial cost reduction and a potential improvement in design quality compared to manual creation.

Currently, Capcom's AI implementation is focused solely on this concept generation system. Other crucial aspects of game development, including core gameplay mechanics, programming, character design, and overall game vision, remain firmly under the control of human developers.