Level-5 CEO admits using generative AI in recent showcase
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino admitted using generative AI in a recent showcase, apologizing for causing discomfort while clarifying games remain human-made.
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino publicly apologized after confirming generative AI was used in the studio’s recent digital showcase. Viewers had questioned whether AI-generated footage appeared in reveals for Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch titles. Hino addressed the backlash on X/Twitter, stating the studio employed AI to enhance the presentation’s visual impact as an experiment.
Hino emphasized that the games themselves remain entirely human-made, with their ‘charm and individuality’ derived from staff efforts. He clarified that AI’s role at Level-5 focuses on efficiency tasks, such as converting artwork into polygons, rather than generating creative content from scratch. The studio aims to reduce major game development time from five years to two.
The admission follows criticism over the use of AI in game presentations, with Hino acknowledging it may have made fans ‘uncomfortable.’ He framed the experiment as part of broader efforts to streamline production without compromising creative integrity. Level-5’s stance contrasts with industry concerns about AI’s impact on development timelines and workloads.
Hino’s remarks were made in response to public scrutiny over AI’s growing presence in game showcases. He reiterated that AI tools are used selectively to support technical processes, not to replace human creativity. The studio’s approach reflects ongoing debates about balancing innovation with traditional development practices in the gaming industry.