Capcom is exploring generative AI to streamline the creation of the vast number of design concepts required for its game environments. The rising costs of video game development are pushing publishers towards AI tools, despite controversy. Activision, for example, faced criticism for allegedly using AI in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 cosmetics and loading screens. EA has even declared AI as "central" to its operations.
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 experimentation. Abe highlighted the significant time and resources dedicated to generating the "hundreds of thousands" of unique design ideas needed for game assets, citing even seemingly simple objects like televisions requiring individual designs, logos, and shapes. This process involves numerous proposals, each accompanied by illustrations and text for communication with art directors and artists.
To address this efficiency bottleneck, Abe developed a system leveraging generative AI. This system processes game design documents to generate design concepts, accelerating development and refining outputs through iterative feedback. The prototype, utilizing models like Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, has reportedly garnered positive internal feedback. The projected outcome is a substantial cost reduction and potential quality improvement compared to manual creation.
Currently, Capcom's AI implementation is focused solely on this concept generation system. Other crucial aspects of game development, including gameplay design, programming, and character creation, remain firmly under human control.
