Capcom Experimenting With Generative AI to Create 'Hundreds of Thousands of Unique Ideas' Needed to Build In-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 production and reduce expenses. This follows reports of AI-generated content in other games, such as a cosmetic item in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and a loading screen in a previous Call of Duty title. EA has even declared AI as "fundamental" to its operations.

In a recent 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 significant time and resources dedicated to generating the "hundreds of thousands" of unique design ideas needed for game assets. He cited the design of everyday objects, such as televisions, each requiring unique designs, logos, and shapes, as an example of the sheer volume of concepts needed. This process involves multiple design proposals, complete with illustrations and textual descriptions, for each asset.

To enhance efficiency, Abe developed a system leveraging generative AI. This system processes various game design documents and generates design ideas, accelerating the development process. The AI iteratively refines its output based on its own feedback mechanisms. This prototype, utilizing AI models like Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, has reportedly received positive internal reviews. The anticipated outcome is a substantial cost reduction and a potential improvement in design quality compared to manual creation.

Currently, Capcom's AI implementation is confined to this specific system. Other crucial aspects of game development, including core gameplay mechanics, programming, character design, and overarching creative direction, remain firmly under the control of human developers.