Highlights
- Square Enix’s CEO shifts the company’s stance on AI, with it now taking a methodical approach to its usage in creative fields as opposed to an aggressive one.
- The publisher has faced backlash for the AI-generated content in the game Foamstars, prompting policy changes and internal examination of AI tools.
- Kiryu acknowledges the risks involved with AI, planning to keep tabs on public opinion and the potential for IP infringement.
Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu has made statements regarding the company’s stance on generative AI technology, changing its initial stance regarding its usage in creative fields. As opposed to the statement made at the start of the year that suggested aggressive usage, Square Enix will be taking a more methodical and careful approach. This statement was given at a recent shareholders’ meeting held earlier this month.
The use of AI has become a more commonplace and controversial application in many fields, thanks to applications like ChatGPT and Midjourney. While some people have been using it to make certain tasks easier, AI-generated art and other creative fields have been a hotly-contested topic, with artists and writers losing job opportunities due to companies adopting said technology. Many creatives have also spoken out against AI-generated creations, due to either the produced results from the prompts being ‘soulless’ or how AI-related tools open up a host of copyright concerns. Fans have criticized companies like Wizards of the Coast over its stance of adopting AI. While Square Enix was originally one company that was looking to use AI ‘aggressively,’ it appears the company is walking back on that stance.
According to a translation by Automaton, when Takashi Kiryu was asked about Square Enix’s usage of AI and the concerns of intellectual property infringement, he responded by noting its potential, but there are so many risks in using it. As a result, the company is introducing a ‘flow’ where AI-related tools will only be used internally after they have been properly examined. He notes that Square Enix is still proactively using AI technology in fields unrelated to creativity, mainly to boost the efficiency of its day-to-day operations. ‘AI itself has tremendous potential. However, there are also many risks involved. We have introduced a flow whereby AI-related tools are used internally only after being properly examined,’ said Kiryu.
Why Has Square Enix’s Stance On Generative AI Changed?
As to why the company has changed its opinion on AI, Kiryu comments that he is aware of how using AI in creative fields is an ‘extremely delicate’ matter, and he will keep in touch with public opinion about AI going forward. While this isn’t a definitive yes or no on whether the company will continue or eventually abandon the use of AI, it is a big change from Square Enix’s previous stance about aggressive AI usage from January.
AI itself has tremendous potential. However, there are also many risks involved. We have introduced a flow whereby AI-related tools are used internally only after being properly examined.
This outlook appears to be a stance taken with regard to upholding the company’s image and not upsetting its audiences. For example, Square Enix’s Foamstars received plenty of backlash from fans for its usage of generative AI, and most fans had opted not to buy or play the game. Since Square Enix also announced a variety of changes in policy earlier this month, Kiryu’s statement was likely another change in the company’s policy.
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