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.

As game development costs escalate, the gaming industry is increasingly turning to AI tools, despite ongoing controversies. Recent examples include reports of AI-generated content in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and accusations of AI use in previous Call of Duty loading screens. EA has even declared AI as "central" to its operations.

In an interview with Google Cloud Japan, Capcom's technical director, Kazuki Abe (known for his work on Monster Hunter: World and Exoprimal), detailed the company's AI experimentation. Abe highlighted the immense workload involved in designing even seemingly simple objects like televisions, each requiring unique designs, logos, and shapes. This process, he explained, necessitates multiple design proposals, complete with illustrations and descriptions, for thousands of assets per game.

Abe developed a system leveraging generative AI to analyze game design documents and automatically generate design concepts. This system, utilizing models like Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, aims to accelerate development, improve efficiency, and provide iterative feedback for refinement. Initial internal testing has yielded positive results, suggesting significant cost reductions and potential quality enhancements compared to traditional manual methods.

Currently, Capcom's AI implementation is focused solely on this concept generation system. Other crucial aspects of game development, including gameplay mechanics, programming, character design, and overall game vision, remain firmly under the control of human developers.