Capcom is exploring the use of generative AI to streamline the creation of the vast number of design ideas required for its game environments – a process currently demanding "hundreds of thousands" of unique concepts.
With escalating video game development costs, publishers are increasingly turning to AI tools, a move that remains controversial. Reports suggest Call of Duty utilized AI for a cosmetic item in Modern Warfare 3 in late 2023, sparking accusations of AI use for a loading screen the previous year. EA, in September, declared AI as "the very core" of its operations.
In a recent interview with Google Cloud Japan, Capcom's Technical Director Kazuki Abe (whose credits include Monster Hunter: World and Exoprimal) detailed the company's AI experimentation. Abe highlighted the significant time and resources dedicated to generating the sheer volume of unique ideas needed for game assets. He cited the design of everyday objects like televisions, each requiring unique designs, logos, and shapes, resulting in the creation of hundreds of thousands of concepts, many of which remain unused.
This process involves numerous proposals for tens of thousands of objects per game, each requiring accompanying illustrations and textual descriptions for effective communication with art directors and artists.
Recognizing the potential for efficiency gains, Abe developed a system leveraging generative AI. This system processes game design documents to generate design ideas, accelerating development and refining outputs through iterative feedback. His prototype, integrating models like Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, has reportedly received positive internal feedback. The projected outcome is a substantial cost reduction compared to manual creation, alongside potential quality improvements.
Currently, Capcom's AI implementation is focused solely on this specific system. Other critical aspects of game development, including core gameplay mechanics, programming, character design, and overall game ideation, remain firmly under human control.
