5-Year Productions Could Last 2 Thanks to AI

Recommended products

This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

BanPresto - Stranger Things Eleven Vol. 1 Q posket Figure

$26.95

McFarlane Toys Stranger Things Punk Eleven Action Figure

$68.95

-19%

McFarlane Toys Avatar: The Last Airbender Prince Zuko 7 Action Figure with Accessories

$19.99$16.22

Yo-kai Watch Mood Reveal Figures Komasan

$33.99

Yo-kai Watch Plush Figure Whisper

$19.99

-7%

Yokai Watch - 6 Warunyan Plush Toy

$34.49$31.99

AI Transforming Film Production: Scriptwriting, Casting, VFX, and Post-Production

Akihiro Hino, Level-5’s executive director known for Inazuma Eleven and Yo-Kai Watch, has weighed in on the use of artificial intelligence in the video game industry. His comments follow the controversy surrounding Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which lost its Indie Game Awards recognition due to concerns over its AI usage. Hino addressed the issue on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “I’m writing about something unusual today—it’s not about a game I’m currently producing. It’s about the controversy surrounding AI.” He then discussed the recent incident where a producer lost an award for using AI. Hino detailed several current applications of AI in filmmaking. These applications span various stages of production, including: Scriptwriting: AI can analyze successful films to suggest new script ideas. Casting: Facial recognition software can identify ideal actors based on past performances and desired character traits. Visual Effects: AI can create complex visual effects more quickly and cheaply than traditional methods. Post-Production: AI can automatically correct errors, adjust colors, and even generate entire scenes during film editing.

AI in Filmmaking Advancements: Latent Space, NeRFs, Performance Capture, and Data-Driven Greenlighting

Hino also mentioned a “fresh strategy” for using AI in filmmaking that focuses on algorithmic integration. This includes greenlighting projects based on predicted public sentiment, using Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) for neural rendering, retaining assets using LoRA, and identifying verified studios with secure data supply chains through Vitrina Relevance. According to Hino, AI in moviemaking centers on the Latent Space, a mathematical environment where neural networks produce photorealistic visual information. He noted that late 2024 saw a 25% growth rate for NeRFs and Gaussian Splatting in virtual production. These technologies are impacting filmmaking. Professionals are using AI Performance Capture to refine actors’ microexpressions in post-production, enhancing emotional resonance while streamlining behind-the-scenes processes. AI also enables de-aging and visual performance editing that were previously too expensive for indie productions.

AI-Animated Movie Premieres in China: Debating Efficiency and Creativity with AI

In China, the first fully AI-animated movie, The Reunion Journey, recently premiered in Beijing. This collaboration between China Media Group, Beijing New Film Union Films, and other partners used AI to reduce production time to roughly one year. Director Ma Teng focused on enhancing lighting, textures, and scene transitions to provide viewers with a novel experience. The film’s test run in Beijing has sparked renewed debate about Level-5’s earlier announcement that it would use AI to improve development efficiency. Hino addressed the misconception that using AI is equivalent to plagiarism: “Firstly, I believe many companies incorporate AI in their development processes to improve efficiency—it’s just a matter of whether they choose to publicly disclose it or not. However, the misunderstanding that Level-5 uses AI for 80-90% of its programming code is incorrect.”

AI and Game Development: Transforming Practices with AI Efficiency for Faster Release Cycles

He clarified that an example he shared regarding an unannounced game with an AI theme, where programmers intentionally use AI for coding, was “taken out of context.” Hino added that AI assists developers in achieving significant time-saving benefits not to be underestimated, which could potentially alter common game development practices. The current standard of taking 5 to 10 years to develop AAA games might change to releasing such games every 2 years. Hino also stated, “Just like a knife can be used for cooking or as a weapon, or a computer for creating games or committing cybercrimes, AI too can generate content infringing on others’ work. But when used properly, it enriches the creative world.” Hino envisions creating games that surpass current AAA standards. He expressed concern that dismissing AI as harmful could hinder digital technology progress. Given Level-5’s history of long game release cycles and frequent delays, Hino’s favorable view of AI as a means to expedite processes is understandable. Deca Police, announced in February 2023 for the same year but later postponed to 2026, exemplifies Level-5’s recurring delays. Other instances include pushing back the new Professor Layton and not releasing a new mainline Yo-Kai Watch game since 2019.

AI Transforming Game and Film Production – Balancing Efficiency with Responsibility

In conclusion, Hino’s remarks highlight the potential of AI to reshape game and film production, while also acknowledging the need for responsible implementation.

In Case You Missed It

In our last post, we shared tips to keep young minds engaged during summer break. Speaking of keeping kids safe online, you’re in for a treat with Bruno Pferd’s latest article from 2025, “Roblox Shares Safety Tips for Kids During Summer Breaks”. Published on December 26th, Bruno explores the importance of digital safety as children spend more time gaming during holidays, providing practical tips from Roblox’s Dr. Elizabeth Milovidov and platform-specific parental controls for safe and enjoyable gaming experiences Roblox Shares Safety Tips for Kids During Summer Breaks. If you’re eager to stay ahead of the curve with the latest gaming tech, don’t miss our recent post by Carlos Mendoza, “5K Arrives Through LG Monitors”. Published on the same day, this insightful article dives into LG’s new UltraGear evo line, featuring revolutionary AI-driven upscaling and innovations like the world’s largest 5K monitor and enhanced MiniLED displays 5K Arrives Through LG Monitors. Lastly, Marcus Thompson takes us on a fascinating journey in ‘Capcom: Blanka from Street Fighter Roots for Santos’, published also on December 26, 2025. Here, you’ll discover the unexpected intersection of Blanka’s fandom with Brazilian football culture, explore his origins and connection to Santos FC, all leading up to his portrayal by Jason Momoa in the upcoming Street Fighter film Capcom: Blanka from Street Fighter Roots for Santos.