TLDR: A recent internal survey by Japanese game developer Colopl reveals that approximately 80% of its employees are now utilizing generative AI in their game development workflows. This high adoption rate underscores a growing trend in the industry, with AI being used for tasks ranging from brainstorming and writing to coding assistance, significantly reducing work hours for many.
A significant shift is underway in the Japanese game development landscape, as evidenced by a recent internal survey conducted by prominent developer Colopl. The studio, known for titles such as ‘Dragon Quest Walk’ and ‘Shironeko Project,’ found that an overwhelming 80% of its staff are actively incorporating generative artificial intelligence into their daily work processes. This figure highlights a rapid embrace of AI technologies within the company, indicating a broader trend of technological integration in the sector.
The survey, which gathered responses from 357 full-time employees, revealed a substantial increase in generative AI usage compared to the previous year. Employees are leveraging AI for a variety of tasks, with the most frequent applications including brainstorming new ideas, assisting with writing, and providing support in coding. The impact on efficiency is notable, as 40% of AI-using employees reported a reduction in work hours by 40% or more, while 20% saw their work hours decrease by 60% or more.
While the majority has adopted AI, a minority of employees cited ‘not feeling the need to use AI’ and ‘feeling apprehensive about legal and ethical issues’ as their primary reasons for non-adoption. Colopl has been an open proponent of AI, engaging in partnerships, such as with Stable Diffusion, and integrating AI-generated art into its games. However, this embrace has not been without challenges, including instances where AI-generated art in their deckbuilder game ‘Tsukuyomi: The Divine Hunter’ resembled copyrighted characters. Despite such hurdles, the company remains committed to expanding its AI initiatives, with plans to integrate the ChatGPT API into its internal portal.
This trend in Japan aligns with global industry movements. A survey by Google Cloud and The Harris Poll, conducted in mid-2025, indicated that 87% of game developers worldwide are already using AI tools in their workflows, with 97% believing generative AI is actively reshaping the industry. AI is seen as a transformative force, helping studios manage rising costs, streamline complex processes, and foster new avenues for creativity. Key benefits include automating repetitive tasks, which 95% of developers cited as a major advantage, freeing up human talent for more strategic and creative endeavors.
Furthermore, AI is fundamentally altering team collaboration in areas like problem-solving (84%), rapid prototyping (83%), and creative brainstorming (81%). The technology is also being used to accelerate playtesting and balancing (47%), localization and translation (45%), and code generation (44%). The integration of AI is not merely about efficiency but also about enhancing creative exploration, with 37% of developers reporting improved ability to experiment with new gameplay and narrative concepts.
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Overall, the adoption of AI in game development, particularly generative AI, is rapidly progressing, with companies like Colopl leading the charge in Japan. This technological evolution promises to redefine game creation, offering both significant opportunities and new challenges for the industry.
