Capcom Experimenting With Generative AI to Create 'Hundreds of Thousands of Unique Ideas' Needed to Build In-Game Environments

Capcom is leveraging generative AI to streamline the creation of the vast number of design concepts required for its game environments. This initiative comes amidst rising video game development costs, prompting publishers to explore AI tools for increased efficiency and cost reduction. While the use of AI in game development remains controversial, precedents exist, such as a reportedly AI-generated cosmetic in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and suspected AI use in a loading screen for the same franchise. 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. He cited the design of everyday objects, such as televisions, each requiring unique designs, logos, and shapes, as an example of this massive undertaking. The process involves multiple design proposals for tens of thousands of such objects per game, each proposal accompanied by illustrations and textual descriptions for communication with art directors and artists.

To address this efficiency bottleneck, Abe developed a system utilizing generative AI. This system processes game design documents and outputs design concepts, accelerating the development process. The AI system iteratively refines its output based on self-generated feedback. This prototype, employing AI models like Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, has reportedly received positive internal feedback. The anticipated outcome is a substantial cost reduction and a potential enhancement in overall design quality.

Currently, Capcom's AI implementation is confined to this specific system. Other critical aspects of game development, such as core gameplay mechanics, programming, character design, and overall game ideation, remain under the purview of human developers.