Level 5 CEO Akihiro Hino has responded to criticism over the company’s use of artificial intelligence during its recent Level 5 Vision 2026 II showcase. Hino explained that AI was used to make the presentation more visually striking, while assuring fans that the company’s released games will not contain AI-generated content used without consideration.
According to Hino, the AI techniques used for footage shown during the event were intended primarily as an experiment with newer technology and to improve the presentation itself. Level 5 acknowledged that the decision had caused concerns among viewers and apologized for the reaction.
Hino stressed that the elements responsible for the identity of Level 5’s games, including scenarios, character designs and core world building, continue to be created entirely by people. The company instead primarily uses AI to make production processes more efficient, such as converting hand drawn artwork into polygon models.
Level 5 Wants To Reduce Development Times
The CEO argued that using AI to streamline production can give developers more time to focus on creative work. He said the company believes this can ultimately lead to higher quality games.
Level 5 is currently experimenting with different ways to use the technology as it works toward significantly reducing development times for its major titles. Hino said the company’s goal is to reduce the development period from around five years to two years.
However, Hino acknowledged that the extensive use of AI in the showcase itself was different from how the company approaches its game development. He explained that Level 5 used AI heavily for the presentation because it wanted the material to be easy to understand and visually impressive.
The CEO said the company would treat the response as a lesson and apply what it has learned to future presentations.
