Krafton, the well-known developer behind titles like PUBG and Callisto Protocol, has announced an ambitious initiative to implement artificial intelligence (AI) in all aspects of its business. This strategy, called “AI First,” aims to integrate AI into management systems, business infrastructure, research and development, as well as in content creation within video games. Krafton’s CEO, Kim Chang-han, emphasized that this decision not only seeks to expand growth opportunities but also to lead AI innovation across the video game industry.
AI First (and last)
As part of this initiative, Krafton will invest 100 billion won, approximately 70 million dollars, to promote the use of AI. Starting next year, about 30 billion won annually, around 20 million dollars, will be allocated to train its employees in the use of AI tools. However, there is still no specific information on whether AI-generated art, music, or writing will be part of the company’s upcoming releases, such as Subnautica 2 or Hi-Fi Rush 2. This would be a notable contrast to the anti-mega-corporation stance that characterized the first Subnautica.
Interestingly, the direction of the development of Subnautica 2 has reported that Krafton has changed its narrative amid a lawsuit over the dismissal of the studio’s founders, which has added controversy to the situation. In the context of this radical change, Krafton’s strategy has been seen as an attempt to redirect the company after a series of negative results. The implementation of AI is expected to generate both opportunities and challenges on the path to its goal of becoming a global benchmark in video game development.