Capcom is delving into the realm of generative AI to streamline the creation of the "hundreds of thousands" of ideas required for in-game environments. As the cost of video game development continues to escalate, publishers are turning to AI tools to accelerate production and reduce expenses. Notably, Call of Duty reportedly sold an "AI-generated cosmetic" for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in late 2023, and fans have accused Activision of using generative AI for a loading screen in the previous year. EA emphasized in September that AI is "the very core" of its business strategy.

In a recent interview with Google Cloud Japan, Kazuki Abe, a technical director at Capcom known for his work on major titles such as Monster Hunter: World and Exoprimal, discussed how the company is experimenting with AI integration into its game development processes. Abe highlighted that one of the most labor-intensive aspects of game development involves generating a vast number of unique ideas. For instance, even simple objects like televisions need distinct designs, logos, and shapes. "Including unused ones, we ended up having to come up with hundreds of thousands of ideas," Abe noted (via Automaton).

Abe pointed out that each game requires thousands to tens of thousands of proposals for these objects, with each proposal needing illustrations and text to effectively communicate the concept to the art director and artists. Recognizing an opportunity for greater efficiency, Abe developed a system where generative AI can analyze various game design documents and generate ideas. This system not only speeds up development but also provides self-feedback, allowing for continuous refinement of the output.

The prototype, which utilizes multiple AI models including Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, has garnered positive feedback from Capcom's internal development teams. Implementing this AI model is expected to "reduce costs significantly" compared to manual processes while simultaneously enhancing the quality of the output.

Currently, Capcom's use of AI models is confined to this specific system, with other critical aspects of game development like ideation, gameplay, programming, and character design remaining under human control.