Cygames, renowned for its work on "Umamusume: Pretty Derby" and a prominent figure in anime horse girl media, recently unveiled the creation of Cygames AI Studio. This new subsidiary is dedicated to artificial intelligence, with a stated mission to forge an innovative creative cycle that not only boosts efficiency but also expands the imaginative potential of artists. However, this declaration was met with a wave of negative reactions from the fan community, leading to a subsequent public apology from the company.
The announcement of Cygames AI Studio sparked widespread outrage among fans, particularly visible in their responses on social media platforms. After approximately six days of intense criticism from enthusiasts of the "horse girl" franchise, Cygames released an apology. The company acknowledged the anger and disappointment expressed by many, attributing it to a simplified initial announcement that failed to address the ongoing concerns and broader societal discussions surrounding generative AI. They expressed sincere regret for the unease caused by their communication.
Cygames clarified that its existing products do not utilize generative AI art and emphasized its deep respect for the gaming community, as well as the talent and dedication of the creators and artists who shape gaming culture. The company further pledged that it would not integrate generative AI into its products without providing prior notification to its audience. Despite this assurance, the promise of advance warning before potentially implementing a technology that has already caused such distress has done little to instill confidence among fans. This skepticism is amplified by the fact that Cygames' career website currently lists job openings for generative AI engineers and artists.
The strategic shift towards AI by Cygames is not entirely unexpected, given its parent company, CyberAgent, has been increasingly adopting an AI-centric approach in recent years. CyberAgent has maintained an "AI Lab" R&D division since 2016, and in 2023, it announced the formation of another AI-focused division specifically tasked with incorporating generative AI into animation and game development. While the games industry as a whole has seen a growing adoption of AI, Japanese developers, in particular, have been notably forthright about their interest in the technology. Major publishers like Square Enix have openly committed to generative AI strategies, and a 2025 survey indicated that over 50% of Japanese game companies are already employing AI in their development processes.
The establishment of Cygames AI Studio, while intended to foster creativity and efficiency, has ignited a significant debate within the fan base regarding the role of AI in creative industries. The company's subsequent apology highlights the delicate balance between technological advancement and maintaining community trust, especially in a landscape where generative AI raises both ethical and artistic concerns. The ongoing recruitment for AI-related positions further suggests a continued commitment to this technological direction, indicating that this conversation is far from over.
