Mood down: the AI studio announcement didn’t sit well with fans.
Cygames have issued a public apology after backlash from fans following the announcement of Cygames AI Studio, an AI-focused subsidiary revealed late last week. The developer of Umamusume Pretty Derby stated that the response stemmed from how the announcement was communicated rather than the existence of the studio itself.
The AI studio was first announced via X (formerly Twitter), where Cygames stated that the new subsidiary would focus on building “a unique creative cycle that goes beyond simply improving efficiency to expand creators' creativity.” The announcement can be found here:
The announcement quickly stirred a stampede among Umamusume fans, many of whom raised concerns about generative AI and its potential impact on creative work. As the discussion galloped forward over several days, Cygames moved to rein in the situation with a formal apology.
The apology follows six days after the original AI studio announcement
In its statement published on 14 January, Cygames, acknowledged that the initial messaging failed to address wider concerns around generative AI. The company said it had released “a simplified announcement in Japanese concerning the founding of Cygames AI Studio, Inc., without addressing any of the current problems and social debates surrounding generative AI,” adding, “We sincerely apologize for the concern we've caused.”
Cygames also clarified its current development practices, stating that “art produced from generative AI isn't used in our products.” The apology further noted that the company would not introduce generative AI into its games without communication in advance, saying, “we won't implement generative AI into our products without prior notice.”
Reaffirming its creative approach, Cygames said it holds “in the highest regard those who love games, as well as the dignity, passion, and heart of the creators and artists who act as the architects of gaming culture.” It also stated that “the art for all current Cygames games and other products is crafted from the technical know-how and manual work of our many staff members.”
The statement concluded with Cygames saying, “Once again, we deeply apologize for causing our beloved fans much grief and anxiety,” and reaffirmed its intention to “continue to honor creators, as well as champion the free expression of people.”
The announcement of Cygames AI Studio also aligns with broader moves by its parent company, CyberAgent, which has operated an AI Lab since 2016 and expanded its AI-related initiatives in recent years. Across the Japanese games industry, AI adoption has continued to gather pace, with multiple publishers publicly committing to generative AI research and implementation.
For now, Cygames have drawn a clear line around their current products, aiming to keep their existing catalogue running on familiar rails while outlining how future AI-related developments will be communicated to fans.
