PlayStation Details AI Use, Emphasizes Tools Are 'Not a Replacement for Artists or Creators'

Sony has outlined its approach to integrating AI tools into game development, stressing that "human creativity must remain at the center" of PlayStation's creative endeavors. During an investor-focused results presentation, Sony CEO Totoki Hiroki described AI as "a powerful tool, but not a replacement for artists or creators," while detailing how AI is being utilized across PlayStation studios.

One example is Mockingbird, an AI-powered tool that generates character animation from facial gestures captured during performance capture. Naughty Dog, the developer of The Last of Us, and San Diego Studio, known for MLB The Show, are already using such tools, according to PlayStation chief Hideaki Nishino.

Separately, Nishino discussed how Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered used another AI tool to model the hair of protagonist Aloy. Video footage of real-world hairstyles was converted into a detailed 3D model, significantly reducing the time required for manual modeling.

Nishino also highlighted the use of AI to enhance visual fidelity on the PS5 Pro through the console's PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution (PSSR) technology, which improves graphics and frame rates.

"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."

Less excitingly, Nishino claimed that PlayStation's AI-powered payment routing has generated an additional $700 million in revenue in recent years by optimizing transaction routing across payment networks. Machine learning is also used to create personalized purchase suggestions, recommending games, subscriptions, or merchandise to likely buyers.

Beyond gaming, Sony applies AI tools to more mundane tasks, such as legal content protection and 3D conversion of film footage at Sony Pictures, rather than direct content creation.

During the same investor briefing, Sony stated it has yet to decide on the launch date or pricing for the PlayStation 6, as memory shortages persist. The company also revealed a $765 million impairment loss due to the underperformance of Bungie, the developer of Marathon, in the last financial year.