![[EXCLUSIVE] Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen Team Opens Up About the Expansion’s Name, New Norgan Region, and Performance Goals](https://cdn.gamerbraves.com/2026/07/Dragons-Dogma-2-Dark-Arisen_Interview_FI-360x180.jpg)
Level-5 has revealed how it uses Artificial Intelligence to enhance game development, from character creation to promotional materials. CEO Akihiro Hino presented the details at the Japanese government’s “Study Committee on Intellectual Property Rights in the Age of AI” on December 11, 2023.
AI in Illustration and 3D Concepts
Hino shared several examples of AI-assisted workflows. For instance, StableDiffusion generates illustration concepts for titles like Megaton Musashi: Wired. Designers then choose a concept and create a fully original illustration for the title screen.
The studio also uses AI to experiment with 3D character concepts. By training StableDiffusion on character design sheets, Level-5 generates 3D-style images with varied textures, lighting, and atmospheres. Artists use these images as references to refine the final designs. AI also assists in creating 3D map references.
Designers create a simple 3D model and then project AI-generated illustrations onto it, producing detailed 3D maps for level design. For backgrounds and environments, such as futuristic cities possibly from Decapolice, artists refine AI-generated concepts to match the game’s universe. Level-5 even used AI to generate crowds for trailers like Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road, while keeping foreground characters hand-drawn.
Character, Quest, and Temporary Voice Generation
For narrative design, Level-5 uses ChatGPT to produce character concepts and quest content. For example, the quest The Secret of the Futuristic City starts with a basic premise.
ChatGPT then generates detailed characters, motives, evidence, and plot points, organized in Excel sheets for the development team. The studio also creates temporary voice lines using tools like VOICEVOX. These placeholder clips allow developers to test battles and dialogue before recording final voice lines.
AI Beyond Game Content
Level-5 applies AI to website coding, promotional illustrations, and event stages like Tokyo Game Show. Tools like Genie AI, GitHub Copilot, and SwinIR help generate code, upscale artwork, and design layouts quickly.
Ideation, Not Replacement
Hino emphasizes that AI primarily aids ideation. Developers build content around AI-generated ideas, maintaining creative control while improving workflow efficiency. Level-5’s approach demonstrates how AI can complement human creativity instead of replacing it, enhancing both speed and artistic quality. For more updates on their games, follow their official X account.
