Square Enix, a leading Japanese game company, announced that it plans to automate 70% of its game QA (Quality Assurance) and debugging processes using generative AI by 2027.

This information was released in Square Enix's mid-term business plan report on November 6. According to the report, Square Enix is collaborating with the Matsuo Lab at the University of Tokyo to improve game development efficiency through AI technology.

Specifically, the company aims to automate 70% of QA and debugging tasks using generative AI by the end of 2027. This initiative is intended to improve QA operational efficiency and secure a competitive advantage in game development. A joint research team consisting of over 10 members, including researchers from the University of Tokyo and Square Enix engineers, is currently working on the development.

In addition, Square Enix plans to strengthen its domestic development portfolio through staff training, performance-linked bonuses, and further productivity improvements using AI. For its overseas publishing organization, the company will proceed with restructuring and optimization of selling, general, and administrative expenses. Furthermore, it plans to expand the distribution of major titles through multi-platform releases.

Regarding the overseas restructuring, Square Enix confirmed to IGN that the layoffs in the US and Europe were true. Square Enix stated, "We are reorganizing our North American and European operations to strengthen our development structure and promote integrated global marketing. We made these difficult decisions after careful consideration to achieve the long-term growth of the group."

Michael Douse, Publishing Director at Larian Studios, known for Baldur's Gate 3, expressed his opposition to QA automation via X (formerly Twitter) on the 7th. He stated, "QA teams are among the most immersed people in the game within a company. They are indispensable to community and publishing teams, providing authentic feedback. They already know what is good or bad before users react, and they are also the most resilient department." He emphasized that assuming QA personnel can be replaced is foolish, as the QA role is also a crucial gateway for junior designers to grow into their next positions.

While not aimed directly at Square Enix, the CEO of Take-Two also stated that they do not use AI as a tool to reduce headcount. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, said during the earnings conference call held on the 6th, "We are not using AI as an excuse to reduce headcount, nor do we see it as an opportunity (for layoffs). We see it as an opportunity to free talented people from simple and boring tasks so they can focus on more creative and interesting work. If you ask, 'Can you use AI to cut costs by 5% starting tomorrow?' the answer is 'No'."

As the use of generative AI becomes more active, the debate over its pros and cons in the game industry is heating up. As AI utilization accelerates, it is necessary to watch carefully how its purpose and scope will settle in the game industry.