Generative AI has become a standard part of game development for Japan’s online gaming industry, according to a new report from the Japan Online Game Association (JOGA). The organization’s 2026 Online Game Market Research Report found that every developer surveyed is now using generative AI in some capacity, highlighting how quickly the technology has been adopted across the sector.
The findings, first previewed by Famitsu, also reveal that developers are primarily using AI for analytical tasks rather than creating game assets. At the same time, players expressed growing concerns about copyright issues and the long-term impact AI could have on game originality.
Gemini, Claude, and GitHub Copilot lead AI adoption
According to JOGA’s survey, Google Gemini is the most widely used AI tool among respondents, with 94% of developers reporting its use. It is followed by Anthropic’s Claude at 84% and Microsoft GitHub Copilot at 76%.
The report indicates that developers are relying on these tools mainly for user preference analysis and player behavior prediction, suggesting that AI is currently being used more to improve business intelligence and game operations than to replace creative development.
This marks a significant increase from previous industry research. During the Tokyo Game Show 2025 developer survey, around 50% of respondents said they were already using generative AI. The latest JOGA findings suggest adoption has accelerated rapidly within Japan’s online game industry over the past year.
While developers continue embracing AI, the survey found that players remain cautious.
According to the report, copyright infringement was the most common concern among respondents. Another frequently mentioned issue was the possibility that games could become increasingly similar if developers rely too heavily on generative AI.
These concerns mirror broader discussions taking place across the global games industry, where AI-generated content has sparked debate over intellectual property, creative ownership, and the role of human developers.
Human creativity still drives game development
The report also aligns with comments previously made by major Japanese publishers. Capcom has said generative AI has demonstrated “a certain degree of effectiveness” while emphasizing that creative decisions remain led by human developers. Sony has expressed a similar position, describing AI as a tool to support development rather than replace creators.
The most commonly used AI platforms are general-purpose assistants such as Gemini and Claude instead of dedicated image or audio generation tools, reinforcing the idea that many studios currently view AI as a productivity aid rather than a replacement for artists and designers.
Although Japan appears to be adopting generative AI more rapidly than many Western studios, the report raises another question for the future. As AI companies face increasing pressure to make their services profitable, rising operating costs could eventually influence how extensively developers continue using these tools.
