Level-5 Commits to Improving Yo-Kai Watch 2 and Professor Layton After AI Criticism, Citing Human Error in Artwork Issues

Last week, Level-5’s “VISION 2026 II: Dreams” presentation raised eyebrows among fans due to concerns about the use of generative AI. Social media was flooded with posts criticizing the studio for what some perceived as “sloppy” AI-generated content. In response, Level-5’s CEO, Akihiro Hino, attempted to reassure fans about the limited role of AI in their projects. However, the studio has now clarified in a recent update on its official website that some of the peculiar artwork that drew complaints was actually the result of human mistakes.

The statement from Level-5 acknowledges the fans’ skepticism, explaining that many of the odd elements in the teaser trailer for Yo-Kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain were not created using generative AI tools. Instead, the studio revealed that the unusual background artwork, which some fans speculated was AI-generated, was based on real-life references. For example, the telephone poles shown in the trailer were modeled after actual Japanese electrical wires, which, to be fair, do appear quite strange.

In addition, Level-5 clarified that the background elements like vending machines and rain gutters that seemed like AI errors were simply the result of poor artistic execution by humans. This is why the background art was revised for the second version of the Yo-Kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain trailer, while the initial version, which debuted during the Nintendo Direct on September 9, still contained those elements.

The studio explained that the Nintendo Direct was scheduled prior to their VISION 2026 II: Dreams presentation, necessitating the submission of earlier trailer versions to meet deadlines. They also mentioned that an updated trailer will be showcased at the Tokyo Game Show.

While Level-5’s CEO acknowledged the use of AI tools in the game’s development in a post on social media, the studio’s website update aimed to clarify that many of the issues highlighted during the presentation were simply typical oversights. They emphasized their intention to limit AI usage to enhancing efficiency rather than producing content that fans see in promotional materials.

This situation illustrates a common challenge with generative AI; once its use is acknowledged in one area, fans may start to suspect its presence everywhere else. Hino has expressed a strong interest in AI, stating, “If we let the impression take hold here that ‘using AI is evil,’ it could seriously hinder the advancement of modern digital technology. I hope creators and audiences alike can recognize AI as a tool that people use to make their works. Here’s to hoping that various technological innovations lead to even greater growth in the game industry!”