Capcom is exploring the use of generative AI to streamline the creation of the vast number of design concepts required for its game environments. The company acknowledges the significant time and resources dedicated to generating "hundreds of thousands" of unique ideas for in-game assets, citing even seemingly simple objects like televisions needing individual designs, logos, and shapes.
This initiative comes amidst rising video game development costs, prompting publishers to investigate AI tools for increased efficiency and cost reduction. While the use of AI in game development remains controversial, examples like Activision's reported use of AI-generated cosmetics and loading screens for Call of Duty have already surfaced. EA has even declared AI as "the very core" of its operations.
Technical Director Kazuki Abe, a Capcom veteran who's worked on titles like Monster Hunter: World and Exoprimal, detailed the company's AI experimentation in a recent interview with Google Cloud Japan. Abe's system leverages generative AI to process game design documents and generate design proposals, including illustrations and text descriptions. This automated process aims to accelerate development, improve efficiency, and provide iterative feedback for refinement.
Abe's prototype integrates multiple AI models, such as Google's 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, alongside potential quality enhancements.
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 creative direction, remain under the control of human developers.
