A recent survey indicates that a significant majority of Japanese video game developers are now integrating artificial intelligence technologies into their production pipelines. The report, conducted by the organization responsible for the Tokyo Game Show, found that over 50% of Japanese game studios are actively utilizing AI.
Specifically, the 2025 CESA Video Game Industry Report, based on a survey of 54 companies (including industry giants like Sega, Capcom, and Level-5) conducted between June and July, revealed that 51% of developers are employing AI in various capacities. The primary applications include the creation of visual assets, story and text generation, and programming support. Intriguingly, some developers are even leveraging AI to assist in building their own in-house game engines.
This rapid adoption in Japan aligns with broader global trends, where AI systems are becoming increasingly commonplace in game development, despite ongoing concerns raised by workers across the industry.
Major players in the gaming world have articulated their positions on AI integration. Sony, for example, emphasizes that AI`s role should be to support and enhance human creativity, rather than to replace it. Echoing a cautious approach, Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto stated that his company would not hastily adopt AI. Similarly, former Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser underscored the importance of maintaining a `human touch` in development, even as AI`s role expands.
Even one of the largest American publishers, Activision, is actively using AI tools in game development. However, the company maintains that all creative aspects of its games remain “human-created and touched,” reflecting a shared sentiment about preserving human agency in the creative process.
The rise of AI has also ignited critical discussions regarding job security and ethical concerns, particularly evident in the voice acting community. The year-long SAG-AFTRA strike, which concluded in June, was largely driven by video game voice actors seeking vital protections against AI. Despite the new agreement, voiceover performers continue to express deep apprehension about the possibility of being replaced by AI-generated voice duplicates in both animation and video game production, highlighting the ongoing tension between technological advancement and human artistic endeavor.