Square Enix Wants 70% Of QA, Debugging Work To Be Done By Generative AI

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Square Enix is far from the only game developer to be talking about AI these days.

Blizzard Entertainment announced earlier this year that they’re using artificial intelligence to handle repetitive tasks, freeing up their developers to focus on more creative work. This is a smart move – letting developers concentrate on imagining and building, instead of getting bogged down in tedious chores, can be really beneficial. However, the use of AI in game development remains a sensitive topic for many people.

Square Enix is looking to take a similar approach to how AI can assist its game development.

Square Enix is partnering with the University of Tokyo’s Matsuo Laboratory to explore how artificial intelligence can help game developers work more efficiently. A team of over ten researchers and engineers from both organizations is working towards a goal of automating 70% of Square Enix’s quality assurance and bug-fixing processes by the end of 2027, as detailed in their latest financial report.

Square Enix Is One Of Many Game Studios Embracing AI In 2025

2025 has been a challenging year for the gaming industry, largely defined by layoffs and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI). Many studios, including Square Enix and Blizzard, are exploring how AI can help with game development. Krafton, known for PUBG, is even restructuring its entire company to prioritize AI. However, the use of AI hasn’t been without controversy. 11-bit Studios, the creators of The Alters, faced criticism for using AI-generated text, though they stated it wasn’t meant for the final game. This negative reaction reflects a common sentiment among gamers who are wary of AI’s role in the games they love.

Some developers are resisting company rules, particularly at Electronic Arts. Reports indicate EA is integrating its internal chatbot, ReefGPT, into nearly all aspects of their work. This includes using it to write code, but developers will still need to review and correct any errors it makes.

Recently, Respawn Entertainment reportedly laid off some employees in their quality assurance (QA) department, replacing them with artificial intelligence. While companies like Blizzard are exploring AI as a helpful tool for developers, it raises questions about how long human QA testers will remain necessary. This trend is further highlighted by Square Enix CEO Takashi Kiryu’s statements last year, indicating a shift towards embracing generative AI, despite the company previously being cautious about its use, calling it a sensitive issue. It will be interesting to see how Square Enix’s approach to AI changes in the coming years, especially as they look towards 2027.

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2025-11-06 16:39