Professor Layton Developer Reveals AI Creates Up to 90% of Game Code
Akihiro Hino, president and CEO of Level-5—the studio behind the Professor Layton and Ni no Kuni series—shared insights on artificial intelligence’s growing role in game development. Speaking at a welcome event for the Top Game Creators Academy (TCGA), Hino stated that AI currently generates around 80-90% of the code used in games.
According to Hino, human programmers mainly focus on refining and finalizing this AI-generated code. This shift means that AI is effectively responsible for the majority of game creation at this stage. But the influence of AI extends beyond coding; it also impacts art, music, and even game design on a large scale.
AI’s Expanding Role in Development
Hino highlighted that relying on AI to improve work efficiency is becoming common practice in the creative process. This trend reflects a broader shift where AI assists in multiple facets of game production—not just programming but also artistic and design elements.
However, Hino emphasized that the human element remains crucial. He pointed out that an "aesthetic sense" is an essential skill for game developers. This means developers must discern when AI-generated content benefits the project and when it might detract from the game's quality.
Human Oversight Remains Key
While AI handles the bulk of the code generation, human oversight ensures the final product meets creative and technical standards. Hino’s claim that only 10-20% of development involves human work may seem exaggerated, given the importance of human judgment in refining AI output and maintaining the game's vision.
This perspective highlights a practical balance: AI accelerates production, but developers must guide its application to maintain quality and coherence.
Upcoming Release
Level-5 is preparing to release Professor Layton and the New World of Steam for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. The exact launch date is yet to be announced.
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