Capcom confirms it won't use AI-generated materials in games but Gen AI to be used to boost productivity

Capcom has clearly stated that it will not use AI-generated materials or assets in any game that ultimately reaches the market. However, the company noted that it intends to leverage generative AI to accelerate its development workflows and improve overall efficiency.

The announcement came via a Q&A summary Capcom released on March 23 after holding an online briefing with its investors. The timing is important, considering the amount of flak it is indirectly receiving for Nvidia’s DLSS 5 showcase, which featured its newest title,  Resident Evil Requiem. When investors asked the company about the use of generative AI in video games, the company answered:

“Our company will not implement materials generated by our AI into game content. However, we plan to actively use this technology to improve efficiency and productivity in the game development process. Therefore, we are currently exploring ways to use it in various areas such as graphics, sound, and programming.”

This means that fans won’t have to be concerned about AI-generated textures, artwork, or other in-game elements making their way into Capcom’s hit series like Devil May Cry, Monster Hunter, or Resident Evil.

Capcom’s clear refusal to use AI-generated assets also prevents the company from falling into awkward situations like the one Pearl Abyss recently faced with the release of Crimson Desert. For context, gamers found AI-generated assets and artwork in Crimson Desert’s release build, prompting the studio to explain the hiccup.

Generative AI is still a core focus for Capcom

Still, that doesn’t mean the company is ignoring AI, as it has already been experimenting with the technology to generate new ideas as early as January 2025, as noted in a Google Cloud Japan post. Back then, technical director Kazuki Abe discussed how generative AI could generate thousands of ideas for environments, items, and props. 

The company’s end goal in exploring generative AI is to accelerate development while creating better, more refined games. During the same session, Capcom also said it will continue to focus on console and PC games, alongside mobile endeavors such as Monster Hunter Now and Resident Evil mobile ports.

This investor Q&A popped up days after NVIDIA showcased DLSS 5, which featured Resident Evil Requiem’s Grace Ashcroft and Leon Kennedy being re-rendered using generative AI. This also came as a surprise to Capcom’s art team, since they were not informed of DLSS 5’s character alterations before the showcase went live.