Bandai Namco Confirms AI Tools Are Being Used to Improve Efficiencies in Game Development

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So, Bandai Namco just had an investor Q&A, and they confirmed they’re playing around with AI. But it’s not what you might think – they said they’re using it to help speed things up and take care of some of the more tedious tasks, so our artists and designers can really focus on the fun, creative stuff. Basically, they’re trying to make development smoother and let the talent shine!

I was reading up on how Bandai Namco is using AI, and it’s pretty interesting. They’re using it to dig through tons of old data and resources, which makes sense. But so far, they haven’t said anything about actually creating game assets – like characters or environments – with AI tools like the ones everyone’s talking about right now. It’s all about research and looking back at what they’ve already got, as far as we know.

The company explained that they currently use AI to improve how their games are made, mostly by helping with tasks like research. This frees up their developers to spend more time on the creative side of game development.

As a huge fan of AI, it’s amazing how quickly things are changing! Every day brings something new. We’re planning to keep researching, but also to listen to what others are discovering, so we can find the best ways to use this technology – making sure it’s helpful and actually makes a difference when and where we apply it.

There’s a lot of debate in the game industry about using generative AI. Some companies, like Embark Studios (the makers of ARC Raiders), are already using it to create game assets. However, others are hesitant. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, stated that they aren’t using generative AI for the creative side of Grand Theft Auto 6. Instead, they’re exploring how AI can help reduce costs and make their processes more efficient.

He explained that he’s been a long-time believer in AI. This company has consistently used machine learning and artificial intelligence in its products, making them a leader in the field. Currently, they’re running hundreds of AI projects throughout the organization, even within their creative studios, and are already noticing that generative AI is helping to reduce costs and speed up processes.

He doesn’t believe that technology alone can create truly great games or entertainment. In fact, he says there’s no proof that’s ever happened, and it won’t in the future. He specifically mentioned that generative AI isn’t being used in the development of GTA 6. Rockstar Games is painstakingly building its world by hand, creating each building, street, and neighborhood individually. This handcrafted approach is what sets their games apart and, in his opinion, is essential for creating high-quality entertainment.

Todd Howard, head of Bethesda Game Studios, has explained that they aren’t currently using generative AI because they believe the personal creative touch of artists is crucial for their large-scale role-playing games.

We’re approaching this very carefully,” Howard explained. “We see it as a way to analyze game data – a tool, like having an extra analyst. We aren’t using it to create content. We believe that artistic vision is a crucial part of our work, and the work of others.

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2026-05-14 16:41