Statement from Level 5
In connection with the "Vision 2026 II Dream" presentation held on September 10th, game company Level 5 has released an official statement regarding misunderstandings about the use of generative AI. The statement reads, "We deeply apologize for causing doubts during the production process."
Level 5 reports that there was an error in the portion of the promotional video used during the presentation that was said to involve generative AI. The company plans to correct and republish some of the video. They explained that the error involved not only AI but also human mistakes.
Specific Illustration Case
The focal point of the apology was the concept illustration for "Yo-kai Watch 2: Hunted Domain." There was a misunderstanding that the depiction of utility poles was AI-generated, but it was actually hand-drawn. It was confirmed that a Level 5 designer simplified the utility poles based on reference photos, with no AI being used.
Additionally, explanations were given regarding the omission details in the illustration such as vending machines, gutters, and missing bicycle brake levers. These were attributed to being hand-drawn with simplified details and emphasized as "human error." The absence of bicycle brake levers was specifically noted to align with how they were similarly depicted in the original Nintendo 3DS version of the "Yo-kai Watch 2" series.
Future Policy on AI Technology Utilization
Level 5 conveyed that it would only use generative AI for efficiency purposes in the future and would not utilize it in video content directly delivered to users. CEO Akihiko Hino also acknowledged the experimental adoption of cutting-edge AI technologies but indicated a cautious approach moving forward.
During the "Vision 2026 II Dream" presentation, new game titles such as "Yo-kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain," "Pufflings: Journey Through a Fantasy World," and "DECAPOLICE" were showcased, along with a brief making-of video for "Professor Layton and the Curious Village." The full presentation is available on Level 5's YouTube channel, with subtitles provided in Japanese and Simplified Chinese.
