Generative AI played a significant role in Level-5’s recent digital showcase, a fact the company has now acknowledged after fans raised concerns about apparent AI-generated visuals in the event footage.
Akihiro Hino, the studio’s president, addressed the matter by stating that the technology was specifically used to make the September 2026 presentation more “spectacular.” He clarified that this was an experimental approach confined solely to the event’s video content and did not extend to the development of any actual games. This response came amid widespread criticism over the presentation’s visual style and perceived use of AI editing.
Level-5 Addresses Audience Concerns Following Event
Discussion about the use of AI erupted online only days after the Level-5 Vision 2026 II event aired, as social media users pointed out noticeable inconsistencies in character faces between trailers shared within a short time frame. These public conversations spurred Akihiro Hino to provide a direct explanation via X/Twitter.
In a statement dated September 12, 2026, Hino commented, “With the hope of creating a more spectacular showcase, we tried some processing that doubled as an experiment with advanced AI.” He continued, “I realise that some viewers were unsettled by this, and for that, I offer my sincerest apologies.” Hino made it clear that there was no intention to hide the use of generative AI, nor to deceive audiences about the content they were seeing.
Restricting AI Involvement to Presentation Materials
Addressing worried fans, Hino reaffirmed that tasks such as crafting stories, developing characters, and establishing foundational settings are all handled strictly by their team of writers and artists. He also pointed to the unique style and individuality of beloved series like Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch as hallmarks Level-5 is committed to preserving through human creativity.
Explaining their AI integration strategy, Hino stated, “What we aim for is to improve efficiency through the digital conversion of original, artist-created content—such as transforming hand-drawn art into 3D models. You can rest assured that our released games do not contain crudely generated AI assets.”
Additionally, Hino described the studio’s AI use as experimental, part of “trial and error” processes that aim to dramatically shrink production periods—from the conventional five years down to two. He acknowledged the intensity of recent feedback and accepted responsibility: “Admittedly, in our pursuit of an impressive presentation, we applied AI in a variety of ways this time. We’ll learn from this episode and carry those lessons into our future showcases—please anticipate what Level-5 comes up with next.”
Industry-Wide Shift Towards Generative AI
The use of generative AI isn’t unique to Level-5; numerous major studios are exploring or investing in similar approaches throughout game development. Notable companies such as Krafton, Square Enix, and EA are all leveraging AI to transform processes along their development pipelines. According to a recent report, more than half of Japanese developers are now integrating AI technology in various capacities within their studios.
Although AI tools are gaining popularity at a rapid pace, studios throughout the sector continue to grapple with how to balance progress, practicality, and the expectations of their player communities. Level-5’s recent situation exemplifies the continuing debate over automation in creative work and the vital role of openness with their fans.