Generative AI takes over Japanese game development: over 85% of developers use it

85.8% of Japanese game developers use generative AI in their work, with 63% using it daily and another 22.8% occasionally, according to a new CESA report.

The Computer Entertainment Supplier’s Association (CESA), which hosts the Tokyo Game Show, has released preliminary data from its report on the state of the Japanese gaming industry. A survey of developers and companies showed a sharp increase in the use of generative AI: a year earlier, the figure was 51%.

Developers consider the main advantages of the technology to be increased efficiency and productivity, reduced development time, and lower costs. The most common control measure was mandatory human involvement – checking, correcting, and monitoring AI results. Companies also limit the set of tools used and try not to apply generated content directly.

In the 2025 report, AI was most often used for creating images and visual materials, then for writing stories and texts, and for programming support. 32% of companies also used AI in developing their own game engines.