The upcoming Crazy Taxi: World Tour has become a focal point for discussions surrounding artificial intelligence in game development following a vague statement on its Steam page. Kenji Kanno, series creator and lead producer for the new title, has now offered specific clarification on how generative AI was employed.
The initial Steam listing stated that SEGA utilizes generative AI as a support tool for developers to enhance content and allow creators to focus on more innovative tasks. It confirmed the use of such tools in Crazy Taxi: World Tour's development but explicitly noted that no AI was used in relation to the game's performers.
Further elaborating, a Sega spokesperson explained that generative AI is an optional tool that helps development teams concentrate on creative endeavors and delivering better games. Specifically for Crazy Taxi: World Tour, AI supported the creation of background assets, all of which underwent review by the development team. The spokesperson reiterated that AI was not involved with the game's performers.
Kanno provided a more direct explanation during a recent hands-off gameplay demonstration. He described generative AI as a small component within the larger creative process. For the game's ambitious "World Tour" concept, which features five distinct countries, Kanno explained that artists and designers visited actual locations to gather references for their designs. Generative AI, he clarified, served as a hint or part of the initial ideation phase for these artists. Kanno, along with his team in Japan, expressed a desire to create everything themselves to deliver a high-quality experience. He assured players that everything in the final product will be original.
Despite the controversy, Crazy Taxi: World Tour aims to be a faithful modernization of the beloved franchise. The game is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC in 2027.