Capcom is exploring the use of generative AI to streamline the creation of the vast number of design concepts needed for its game environments. With the escalating costs of video game development, publishers are increasingly turning to AI tools—a move that has sparked controversy. Reports suggest that Call of Duty sold an AI-generated cosmetic item for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 in late 2023, and fans also alleged Activision's use of generative AI for a loading screen the previous year. EA even declared in September that AI is "at the very core" of its operations.
In a recent interview with Google Cloud Japan, Kazuki Abe, a Capcom technical director with experience on major titles like Monster Hunter: World and Exoprimal, detailed the company's AI experimentation. Abe highlighted the immense time and effort involved in generating the hundreds of thousands of unique ideas required for game development. He cited the design of everyday objects, such as televisions, each needing unique designs, logos, and shapes. This process, including unused concepts, resulted in the creation of hundreds of thousands of ideas for each game.
Thousands, even tens of thousands, of proposals are needed for such objects, each proposal requiring illustrations and text to effectively communicate the design concept to art directors and artists. Recognizing the potential for efficiency gains, Abe developed a system leveraging generative AI. This system processes various game design documents, generating design ideas, providing self-feedback, and refining its output.
Abe's prototype, utilizing AI models like Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, has reportedly received positive internal feedback. The anticipated outcome of this AI implementation is a significant cost reduction compared to manual creation, alongside a potential improvement in overall quality.
Currently, Capcom's AI experimentation is focused on this specific system. Other crucial aspects of game development, including core gameplay mechanics, programming, character design, and overall creative vision, remain firmly under the control of human developers.
