Japanese video game developer Cygames has released a new statement regarding its use of AI, after last week announcing its intention to create an AI-focused subsidiary company, which stirred up a certain amount of discourse.
Writing on social media platform X, the studio – which is known for a variety of popular games including Umamusume: Pretty Derby – apologised for the “concern” it had caused. It added its original announcement was a “simplified” one, which did not address “any of the current problems and social debates” around generative AI.
Cygames stated that art produced via generative AI is not used in its products, and all of its current games have been “crafted from the technical know-how and manual work” of its staff. It furthered that the studio “won’t implement generative AI into [its] products without prior notice” to the community.
On the topic of its community, the studio said it holds those of us who love games – including creators and artists – “in the highest regard”. Cygames intends to continue honouring free expression while striving to deliver “the best in entertainment”, it closed, with another apology to its fans and supporters.
You, of course, don’t need me to tell you how rampant the AI discourse in the industry is at the moment. Just this morning, we reported on Hazelight founder Josef Fares’ thoughts about the technology, where the developer said he doesn’t see AI “taking over”, and nor does he see any issue with using AI as long as it isn’t generative. Meanwhile, a number of other Japanese studios such as Square Enix and Sega have expressed interest in AI use.
As for Cygames, Umamusume: Pretty Derby won the best mobile game award at last year’s The Game Awards.
