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, despite controversy, to accelerate workflows 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 "central" 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. Even seemingly simple objects like televisions require unique designs, logos, and shapes, necessitating a massive volume of concept art and descriptions.

To address this efficiency bottleneck, Abe developed a system leveraging generative AI. This system processes game design documents and generates design proposals, complete with illustrations and text descriptions. The AI iteratively refines its output based on its own feedback, accelerating the design process.

Abe's prototype, utilizing AI models like Google Gemini Pro, Gemini Flash, and Imagen, has reportedly garnered positive internal feedback. The anticipated outcome is a substantial cost reduction and a potential improvement in design quality 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 core gameplay mechanics, programming, character design, and overall game vision, remain firmly under the control of human developers.