A mid-sized Japanese game development studio has started requiring new art applicants to draw during their interviews, a response to growing issues with candidates submitting AI-generated work in their portfolios.

The new practice emerged after the company discovered it had hired several applicants who misrepresented AI-generated images as their own artwork. According to an anonymous chief graphic designer identified as “B” in an interview with Daily Shincho, these employees were later found unable to contribute meaningfully to projects with their actual skill level.

To verify candidates’ abilities, the studio now asks them to create artwork on the spot during the interview process. While this method confirms the authenticity of their skills, it has created significant time constraints for both recruiters and applicants.

“It’s a huge hassle for recruiters, and it feels like we’re going backwards, but I hear several other companies are doing the same,” B told the outlet.

The issue reflects broader challenges facing creative industries as generative AI tools become more accessible and AI-generated images proliferate online and in job portfolios.

Despite implementing stricter screening measures, B reports that company leadership is now discussing hiring generative AI specialists or incorporating the technology more extensively into their workflow. B, who works as an illustrator and character designer, acknowledges using generative AI as a supplementary tool but maintains concerns about the company’s direction.

“I also use generative AI as a supplementary tool on the job. But I strongly believe that only human creators can produce compelling characters and graphics from scratch,” B explained.

“That’s precisely why I’m telling upper management that we should hire talented individuals. Yet the company is steering toward promoting generative AI. I’m anxious about how much they truly understand my perspective.”