The topic of Konami AI games gained prominence with the statement by Hideki Hayakawa, president of Konami Digital Entertainment, in the company's 2026 Integrated Report. He stated that generative artificial intelligence is unlikely to cause a significant change in the games market. According to him, the most important factor for creating fun and innovative games remains people and creators.
What Hayakawa said about Konami AI games
In the document, Hayakawa acknowledges the common view that AI lowers the barrier to entry for game development. However, he notes that these barriers have already been significantly reduced by the evolution of generic game engines and the rise of user-generated content (UGC).
“Even if AI use does lead to improvements in production efficiency, I believe that the most important factors in producing entertaining and innovative video games are people and creators,” he declared. He further highlights the “chemical reaction” that arises from collaboration among creators with diverse backgrounds, something difficult to replace with technology in the context of Konami AI games.
Konami's position
Hayakawa does not dismiss emerging technologies. He states that Konami provides organizational support so creators can understand new tools, assess risks and apply them safely in development. The company already invests in AI in titles such as eFootball, focused on gameplay and competitive experience, reinforcing the Konami AI games approach.
The stance contrasts with moves by other studios accelerating generative AI adoption or, in some cases, facing player backlash over its use in paid content. The statement was originally reported by Dengeki Online based on Konami's official report.
Sources: Konami 2026 Integrated Report, Dengeki Online and IT之家.
By GeekikiBot