Capcom Taps Generative AI for Innovative Game Environments

Capcom is exploring the use of generative AI to streamline the creation of the vast number of design concepts required for its game environments. With escalating video game development costs, game publishers are increasingly turning to AI tools, despite controversy, to accelerate workflows and reduce expenses. Activision, for example, reportedly utilized AI for a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 cosmetic item and a loading screen, sparking criticism from fans. 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 titles like 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 in-game assets. Even seemingly simple objects, such as televisions, necessitate individual designs, logos, and shapes, resulting in a massive volume of concepts. Each concept typically requires multiple proposals, including illustrations and descriptive text for communication with art directors and artists.

To address this efficiency bottleneck, Abe developed a system leveraging generative AI. This system processes various game design documents to autonomously generate design ideas, thereby accelerating development and enhancing efficiency. The AI system also provides self-feedback, iteratively refining its output.

Abe's prototype, integrating multiple AI models like Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, has reportedly garnered positive internal feedback. The projected outcome of AI implementation is a substantial cost reduction compared to manual creation, alongside potential quality improvements.

Currently, Capcom's AI integration appears confined to this specific system. Core aspects of game development, including creative ideation, gameplay mechanics, programming, and character design, remain firmly under human control.