Level-5 Clarifies AI Usage in Yo-Kai Watch 2 and Professor Layton Reveals

Key points

• Level-5 confirmed that generative AI was used in its recent showcase but stated it was only for efficiency, not creative content.
• The studio clarified that odd visuals in the Yo-Kai Watch 2 trailer were human errors, not AI artifacts.
• Level-5 apologized for causing distrust and promised to limit AI use in future promotional videos.
• Corrected trailers will be shown at Tokyo Game Show 2026.

Background

Level-5, known for franchises like Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch, has faced scrutiny over its use of AI. CEO Akihiro Hino previously stated that AI is used for efficiency, such as converting artwork into polygons, to cut development time. The studio has a history of using AI for efficiency, but this incident has raised concerns among fans about the quality of its games.

How outlets are covering it

Kotaku reports that Level-5 explained that many of the perceived 'AI slop' elements in its presentation were due to human error and rushed deadlines. Automaton adds that Level-5 apologized for using AI too casually in some videos, leading to distrust. GamesIndustry.biz notes that CEO Akihiro Hino admitted using AI to make the presentation 'more spectacular' but stressed that the games themselves are not AI-made. The outlets differ in their emphasis: Kotaku focuses on the human error aspect, Automaton on the apology, and GamesIndustry.biz on the CEO's admission.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing concern among fans and developers about the use of generative AI in the gaming industry. Level-5's response may set a precedent for how other studios handle AI in their promotional materials and game development.

What to watch

Level-5 will show corrected trailers at Tokyo Game Show 2026. The studio plans to limit AI use to efficiency-enhancing purposes and avoid direct use in promotional videos. Fans will be watching to see if the corrected trailers address their concerns.