Konami Doubts Significant Market Changes Due to AI in Gaming

The impact of AI on game development practices and its potential misuse in infringing on copyrighted material is becoming a hot topic among game studios. In its latest financial report, Konami took the opportunity to share its perspective on these issues.

With the growing excitement from investors about AI, it seems necessary for the company to address the significant changes the industry is experiencing due to this technology, as well as its possible applications for Konami. The report emphasizes that, despite advancements in AI, certain essential aspects of game development cannot be replaced by machines.

“Generally, it’s thought that AI will allow anyone to easily make games, thus lowering the barrier to entry,” states Hideki Hayakawa, representative director and president at Konami Digital Entertainment. “However, I do not believe the market will shift significantly. Barriers to entry have already been lowered by the growth of general-purpose game engines and user-generated content. Even if AI enhances efficiency, the key to creating engaging and innovative games lies with people—specifically, the creators. Moreover, these creators form ‘teams’ that collaborate, bringing together diverse ideas to create unique gaming experiences. This kind of interaction is not easily replicated.”

While the report doesn’t completely dismiss the use of AI, it acknowledges that the technology presents a “notable opportunity” and could assist developers in various ways. Konami is approaching AI with caution, conducting research while gradually providing its teams with guidelines on how to implement it responsibly. This stance aligns with other studios like Sega, but Konami places a strong emphasis on the collaboration between players and developers to enhance the gaming experience—something that a purely AI-driven approach, regardless of its quality, cannot replicate.

This focus on user-generated content may also be linked to the studio’s development of its own alternative to Roblox, known as Wai Wai World Craft. Regardless, it’s clear that Konami is taking a measured approach to embracing AI technology.