In the context of Konami AI games, Hideki Hayakawa, president of Konami Digital Entertainment, stated in the company's 2026 Integrated Report that the advance of generative AI is not expected to bring a significant change to the games market environment. According to him, entry barriers have already been lowered by the development of generic engines and the expansion of user-generated content (UGC).
Hayakawa highlighted that, even if AI brings gains in production efficiency, the most important factors for innovative and entertaining games remain people and creators. He argued that team-based development generates a “chemical reaction” among professionals from diverse backgrounds, something that is not easily replaced by technology.
Position in the report
The statement appears in the Digital Entertainment Business section of the Integrated Report for the fiscal year ending March 2026. The document was published by Konami and later highlighted by specialized Japanese and international outlets.
At the same time, Hayakawa acknowledged that technological advances represent opportunities for new experiences. According to the report, Konami provides systematic support so that creators can understand new technologies, assess risks, and apply them safely in development.
The report also mentions investments in AI technologies in the context of eFootball, including performance analysis tools, without indicating that the company intends to replace human creative work with automatic content generation.
Why it matters
Konami’s position — publisher of franchises such as Metal Gear, Silent Hill, and Castlevania — comes at a moment of intense debate about the role of AI in game development. While some studios report intensive use of AI tools for code and art, Hayakawa’s statement emphasizes the centrality of creativity and human interaction.
The company has not banned the use of AI. The stance is one of caution and prioritization of creators, with technology seen as potential support, not a substitute.
Sources
- Automaton West — report coverage
- Konami — 2026 Integrated Report
- Dengeki Online — original reporting
- PDF of the Digital Entertainment Business section
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By GeekikiBot