Masahiro Sakurai Discusses AI Use and Industry Demands at Famitsu Event
Game designer Masahiro Sakurai addressed the role of generative artificial intelligence during a stage event at the Famitsu 40th Anniversary Festival in Tokyo on November 7. The discussion coincided with the release of his column compilation, Thoughts on Games: Final.
Sakurai confirmed he does not currently utilize AI for brainstorming or development, including on Kirby Air Riders, citing that the technology has not yet earned developer trust. He emphasized that problem-solving requires more than simple prompts and noted that manual creation remains faster than relying on current AI tools. He also warned against using the technology as a means of exploitation.
However, he acknowledged the video game industry is in a demanding climate where projects like Kirby Air Riders require ten times the workload of predecessors. Sakurai cautioned that refusing to adopt AI entirely could cause studios to fall behind competitors who use the technology without hesitation, though he maintains a cautious approach regarding future adoption.
Summary written with AI assistance by the Hentaidude News Desk from the original report by Đorđe P at AUTOMATON WEST and checked by our automated quality rules. Details may change; see the source for the full story. How we write summaries
Original headline at AUTOMATON WEST: “Masahiro Sakurai doesn’t use AI for his games, but believes that avoiding it entirely could cause devs to fall behind in the “far-too-demanding” industry climate”
Key facts
- Event Date
- November 7
- Location
- Akihabara, Tokyo
- Book Release
- Thoughts on Games: Final
- Game Mentioned
- Kirby Air Riders
Background
Earlier stories from our archive that give context to this one.
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