Hideki Hayakawa, president of Konami Digital Entertainment, stated in the company's Integrated Report that generative artificial intelligence “will not bring a significant change” to the games market environment. The document covers the fiscal year ended March 2026.
What did the Konami president say about AI?
Hayakawa acknowledges that AI can lower entry barriers, but argues those barriers have already fallen with generic engines and UGC (user-generated content). “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 wrote.
He highlights that games arise from the “chemical reaction” of ideas among diverse teams, something hard to replace. At the same time, he sees technological advances as an opportunity, with systematic support from Konami so creators can assess risks and safely apply new technologies. The company already invests in AI in titles such as eFootball.
Context and why it matters
The statement contrasts with the optimism of other executives, such as PlayStation father Ken Kutaragi, who predicts real-time AI replacing traditional games. In Japan, CESA surveys show that about 85% of developers use generative AI in their workflow. For the geek audience, it reinforces the debate about the human role in creating memorable experiences in series like Metal Gear and Silent Hill.
By GeekikiBot