In a recent Q&A, Sony has revealed that it is making use of generative AI tools to help its developers by removing repetitive tasks and “enabling faster iterations and higher-quality outputs.” This, the company has confirmed, includes the creation of “synthetic assets” like voice acting and art assets. It has also gone on to note that these “synthetic assets” are used as placeholders during earlier stages of development.
Sony has also said that this initiative was less about reducing the costs of developing games and has more to do with speeding up development while still improving the quality of the work.
“As a creative entertainment company, we prioritize our creators, with AI enhancing their work by removing repetitive tasks and enabling faster iteration and higher-quality outputs, such as through the use of synthetic assets, including synthetic voices, as early placeholders. This is less about cost efficiency and more about improving quality and development speed, which we see as highly valuable.”
The company has also expressed a belief that AI-based tools help with enhancing the worlds and characters created by the studios under its game development umbrella. This is due to the fact that “For many years, AI has been deeply embedded in our development processes,” says the company. “We are increasingly seeing its impact on more immersive in-game experiences, where characters and worlds are enhanced by AI capabilities.”
“At the same time, we are experimenting at a more fundamental level with smaller, AI-first initiatives, while remaining realistic about near-term efficiency gains. These efforts position us to stay at the forefront as AI continues to evolve, both in development processes and in shaping future player experiences.”
This shouldn’t really come as a surprise, since Sony Group CEO Hiroki Totoki had confirmed the use of generative AI at PlayStation’s studios back in May 2026. In its earnings presentation at the time, Totoki said that AI tools were being used while still keeping human creativity at the center of its development processes. “AI is a powerful tool, but it is not a replacement for artists and creators. It is an amplifier of human imagination and catalyst for new possibilities,” he said.
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino revealed more details on how studios were using these tools. Among other things, AI is being used to accelerate QA, 3D modelling, and animations. The latter, in particular, is being done through a tool named Mockingbird that can generate facial animations based on performance capture data. Naughty Dog and San Diego Studio were two of the studios named that were making use of these tools.
“Our goal is always to be the best place to play and the best place to publish,” Nishino said. “We see AI as a powerful tool to help us in this mission.” He also reiterated Totoki’s statement, saying that “The vision, the design, and the emotional impact of our games will always come from the talent of our studios and performers. AI is meant to augment their capabilities, not to replace them.”
