Square Enix, the gaming powerhouse behind franchises likeFinal FantasyandDragon Quest, is diving into the world of generative AI — but not in the way you might think.Rather than using AI to churn out storylines or characters, the company has focused on internal development support.
At the recent CEDEC+KYUSHU 2024 conference, held at Kyushu Sangyo University,Square Enixshowcased its innovative approach to AI through a proprietary chatbot named “Hisui-chan.” According to an article by4Gamer, which has been translated, Square Enix uses this technology to"enable natural language communication, just like ChatGPT."
Square Enix Uses AI For Developers, Not Gamers
Square Enix Is Prepared To Be At The Forefront Of AI As A Development Tool
In April 2024,Square Enix launchedits“AI & Engine Development Division” with a clear mission: to explore the practical uses of generative AI in development workflows, organize internal workshops, and stay ahead of advancements in AI technology.One of its standout creations is Hisui-chan, a multi-functional chatbot designed to revolutionize the way developers interact with the company’s in-house game engine.
Hisui-chan isn’t just a glorified FAQ bot—it’s an AI-driven assistant powered by GPT-4o.It combines natural language understanding with a clever system prompt that gives it a distinctive personality, tailored to fit Square Enix’s internal culture.The bot doesn’t just spit out generic answers; it provides detailed responses based on specific in-house documentation. To ensure accuracy, Hisui-chan uses Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), a cutting-edge technique that cross-references a query with a database of relevant documents to generate precise answers.
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Hisui-chan’s impact has been profound.Developers can ask questions that might otherwise go unanswered due to the complexity of the topic or the difficulty of finding the right person to ask.For example, if a programmer is stuck on a tricky feature of the game engine, Hisui-chan can provide not only an explanation but also the exact document that details the solution. This convenience has led to improved usability of the game engine and a reduced burden on team members tasked with sharing knowledge.
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Square Enix Believes AI Can Help, But Will Not Replace Human Effort
During the presentation, Ryo Moritomo, an AI researcher at Square Enix, touched on theethical complexities of using AI for narrative development.For example, writing dialogue for villains with twisted moral compasses or crafting stories about discrimination in fantasy worlds—like the plight of half-elves—requires careful balancing of in-world ethics and real-world sensibilities. This delicate issue, humorously dubbed the “half-elf half problem,” underscores the limitations of AI in handling nuanced storytelling without human oversight.
Square Enix’s approach to generative AI is grounded in pragmatism. As Moritomo emphasized, AI is a tool, not a replacement. Its current capabilities shine brightest in augmenting human effort, whether by automating mundane tasks or offering fresh perspectives on problems. By sharing knowledge through tools like Hisui-chan and engaging with the broader AI community,Square Enixis positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the intersection of gaming and AI.
