Capcom is preparing for a ‘future where we create games together with AI’

Capcom, the renowned Japanese video game developer, is actively preparing for a future where artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role in game creation, a significant shift from its previously stated position. While its upcoming title, *Pragmata*, explores the dystopian horrors of AI, the studio's practical approach to the technology appears far more optimistic. During the recent Capcom Open Conference RE: 2026, programmer Satoshi Ishida delivered a revealing presentation titled "The Outlook and Future of the REX Project, Further Evolving the RE Engine for the Next Generation." Ishida candidly addressed the escalating challenges faced by studios developing games on the massive scale of titles like *Resident Evil*. He highlighted how even seemingly simple tasks in such complex productions can become extraordinarily time-consuming, straining development cycles and resources. Ishida presented a clear solution to these hurdles: "successfully integrating AI technology into development workflows." This integration is envisioned to streamline various aspects of game production, from automating repetitive tasks and generating assets to enhancing quality assurance and optimizing performance. By leveraging AI, Capcom aims to accelerate development, reduce costs, and free up human developers to focus on more creative and complex challenges. This announcement marks a notable evolution in Capcom's stance on AI. The company had previously indicated a reluctance to incorporate AI into its game development processes, likely due to concerns about creative integrity, job displacement, or public perception. However, the practical demands of modern game development, coupled with the rapid advancements in AI capabilities, appear to have prompted a strategic re-evaluation. Capcom's move suggests a pragmatic recognition that AI is becoming an indispensable tool for maintaining competitiveness and innovation in the global gaming industry. The studio is now positioning itself to embrace AI not as a threat, but as a collaborative partner in shaping the next generation of interactive entertainment.