Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Konami says people remain central to making innovative games
Konami president Hideki Hayakawa says people remain central to making games.
He shared the view in a company statement about artificial intelligence and game development.
Hayakawa said AI could make some work more efficient, but he does not expect it to shift the market significantly.
He said game-making has already become more accessible through general-purpose game engines and player-created content.
He argues that creators’ teamwork and varied ideas are difficult for AI to replace.
Konami has not ruled out using AI and describes it as a possible opportunity, while cautiously researching it and guiding teams on safeguards.
The company’s next step is to assess how AI can be used safely, rather than treating it as a substitute for creative teams.
Konami president Hideki Hayakawa said people and creators remain the most important factors in making entertaining and innovative video games.
He said AI may improve production efficiency but does not mean the game market will shift significantly.
Hayakawa said collaboration among developers from diverse backgrounds brings together ideas in ways that technology cannot easily replace.
Konami said it is researching AI and providing guidance on risks and protocols for its possible use.
- Who
- Hideki Hayakawa, president of Konami Digital Entertainment, set out the company’s view.
- What
- Konami said people and creators remain central to making innovative games. Hayakawa said AI may improve efficiency but is unlikely to shift the market significantly.
- When
- In a statement included in Konami’s financial report, released on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- Konami Digital Entertainment’s financial report.
- Why
- Hayakawa said barriers to entry had already been lowered by general-purpose game engines and user-generated content, and that creators’ collaboration is difficult to replace.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Konami released its financial statement, which included the company’s views on AI.
Rock Paper Shotgun reported Hayakawa’s comments on AI and game development.
- Company
- Konami Digital Entertainment
- Speaker
- Hideki Hayakawa, president
- Financial statement
- Released October 16, 2026
- AI and production
- Hayakawa said AI may improve efficiency
- Development priorities
- People and creators are central to making interesting and innovative games
3 sources
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What people are saying
I do not believe the market will shift significantly.
Also, even if using AI leads to greater efficiency, I believe the most important factor in developing interesting and innovative games is people, specifically creators.
Even when it comes to epoch-making technological innovations, Konami provides systematic support so that creators can get a grasp of new technologies, properly assess the risks they may bring, and safely apply them to game development.