Konami has shared its perspective on the growing role of artificial intelligence in game development, asserting that the technology will not fundamentally alter the market. In its latest financial report, Hideki Hayakawa, president of Konami Digital Entertainment, stated that "I do not believe the market will shift significantly" due to AI. He highlighted that barriers to entry in game development have already been lowered by accessible game engines and user-generated content platforms.
Hayakawa emphasized that while AI might enhance efficiency, the essential element for creating interesting and innovative games is human creators. He pointed to the collaborative nature of game development, where diverse individuals exchange ideas within teams to produce novel experiences. This interactive process, he believes, "cannot be replaced easily" by technology.
Konami acknowledges that AI presents a "notable opportunity" and could potentially assist developers. However, the company is proceeding with caution, researching the technology while providing its teams with guidance on appropriate usage protocols. This stance aligns with that of other studios, such as Sega, though Konami specifically underscored the value of player and developer interaction in creating enjoyable gaming experiences, something an AI-generated experience might struggle to replicate.
This focus on collaborative creation might also be linked to Konami's development of "Wai Wai World Craft," an in-house alternative to platforms like Roblox. Regardless, the publisher's measured approach to AI adoption signals a commitment to prioritizing human ingenuity in its future projects.