Japan’s Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA) has shared a glimpse into this year’s CESA Video Game Industry Report during the Tokyo Game Show 2026 (an event organized by the group). The report reveals that 85.8% of Japanese game developers are now incorporating generative AI into their workflows. Among these developers, 63% utilize it on a daily basis, while the remaining 22.8% make occasional use of it (via Denfaminicogamer).
The findings stem from a survey targeting game developers and CESA member companies, which encompasses a vast array of notable studios such as Capcom, Sega, Level-5, and Konami. Although the preview did not detail the specific applications of generative AI, the most frequently mentioned benefits developers anticipate include “enhanced operational efficiency and productivity,” followed by “reduced development timelines” and “lowered development and operational expenses.”
When queried about their protocols for generative AI usage, the predominant response from developers was “performing human verification, correction, and oversight.” Many also mentioned practices like specifying or limiting the tools employed and refraining from directly implementing AI-generated content.
The adoption of generative AI in game development has seen a significant rise compared to last year’s CESA Video Game Industry Report, where it was estimated at 51% among CESA member companies and developers. In the 2025 report, the most prevalent uses of AI were the creation of visual assets and imagery, followed by narrative and text generation, and programming assistance. Additionally, it was noted that 32% of game firms leveraged AI to assist in developing proprietary game engines.
CESA executive director Tsutomu Masuda commented on the 2026 statistics, stating, “This indicates that generative AI is being broadly and steadily integrated into development environments.” He cautioned, however, that the industry must address concerns about infringement as it continues to utilize the technology. Masuda emphasized that a key challenge moving forward will be to improve the quality of human-centric game development while balancing the integration of new technologies with the safeguarding of intellectual property rights.
Mido