Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has confirmed that generative AI was utilized in the studio's recent digital showcase, a move that drew criticism from fans. In response to the backlash, Hino issued an apology, stating that the AI was incorporated to make the presentation footage "more spectacular" and acknowledged that some viewers felt uncomfortable.
"This time, because we used AI for the footage within the event, it seems that concerns have arisen regarding the content of the works as well, so I would like to provide an explanation," Hino stated on X/Twitter. He further elaborated that the desire to create a "clear and flashy presentation" led to the broad application of AI in the showcase, describing its use as an experiment with the latest technology and part of a trial-and-error process to reduce development time.
Hino was quick to reassure players that the core creative elements of Level-5's games remain firmly in human hands. "At our company, the parts that relate to the charm and individuality of the released works - such as scenarios, character designs, and basic settings - are all created by human hands," he insisted. The company's aim for AI in development is primarily for the digitization of creative work, such as accurately converting original artwork into polygons, and stressed that "no simplistic AI-generated output data is included in the games that are released."
Level-5's use of AI in its showcase, which featured upcoming titles like Professor Layton, Decapolice, and Yo-Kai Watch, highlights a broader trend in the industry. Several other major game companies, including Krafton, Square Enix, and EA, have also made significant investments in AI technology for various development purposes. Hino concluded by stating that the studio will learn from this experience and carry the lessons forward to future presentations.