Survey: Over 85% of Japanese Game Developers Use Generative AI

Japanese game developers have broadly adopted generative AI, according to a preliminary survey by the Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association (CESA). Data from early September shows that 85.8% of developers are using AI in their daily work, a substantial increase from 51% last year.

The survey, based on a questionnaire conducted at the CEDEC game development conference, revealed diverse applications for AI. Developers are employing it for tasks such as generating graphics and handling general administrative duties with tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. A significant portion of users, 63%, use AI daily, while 22.8% use it occasionally. Furthermore, 8.6% reported that their companies had issued guidelines for AI usage.

Developers see potential in AI for shortening production cycles and reducing development costs. 837 respondents believed it would expand creative possibilities, and 738 felt it lowered the technical barrier. Only 147 developers thought AI would directly improve the actual player experience.

The survey collected 1349 individual responses from developers but has limitations in reflecting companies' overall AI adoption. In a separate corporate survey, 74% of CESA member companies were developing policies for AI use. AI utilization varies within these companies, with only a small fraction using it for visual asset creation.