Akihiro Hino
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Level-5 CEO admits using generative AI in recent showcase
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after confirming that generative AI was used in the studio's recent digital showcase for Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch titles. Hino stated the AI was used as an experiment to make the presentation more spectacular and apologized for making fans uncomfortable, while emphasizing that the games themselves are still made by human hands. He also mentioned the studio's goal to reduce development time by using AI for efficiency tasks like converting artwork into polygons.
Fan Backlash Puts Level-5’s AI Showcase Under Scrutiny
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized after fans expressed backlash over the use of generative AI in footage shown during the studio's recent digital showcase. Hino stated that AI was used to make the presentation more spectacular, but insisted that core game elements like scenarios and character designs remain human-made. The incident has drawn comparisons to other games facing scrutiny for undisclosed AI use and highlights a wider industry trend.
"I deeply apologize": After global backlash, Level-5 CEO admits new Yo-Kai Watch and Professor Layton showcase…
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized for the studio's use of generative AI in trailers for "Professor Layton and the New World of Steam" and "Yo-kai Watch 2: Haunted Domain." Hino explained the AI was used for efficiency and to digitize existing concepts, assuring that no AI-generated data is included in released games. Despite the apology, fan backlash persists due to environmental concerns and discomfort with AI's role in development.
Level 5 boss apologises for AI use for Professor Layton, Yo-Kai Watch reveals
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has apologized on X following criticism that the company used generative AI during its recent Level-5 Vision event. The presentation featured games from the Professor Layton and Yo-Kai Watch series, and the use of AI drew significant backlash from fans.
Professor Layton studio Level-5's CEO admits using AI to make its digital showcase "more spectacular"
Level-5 president and CEO Akihiro Hino has admitted to using generative AI in the studio's recent digital showcase to make the presentation "more spectacular." Following fan backlash, Hino apologized for making people uncomfortable and clarified that core game elements like scenarios and character designs are still created by human hands. He stated AI is being used for efficiency and experimentation in digitizing creative work, not for generating final game assets.
Level-5 boss says “major title” to be announced for 30th anniversary in 2027
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino announced that a "major title" will be revealed in 2027, coinciding with the company's 30th anniversary. No further details were provided regarding the nature of the game.
Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time announces “The Celestial Express” DLC
Level-5 announced "The Celestial Express," a paid DLC for Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time, during the Level-5 Vision 2026 2 Dream presentation. The expansion will introduce new Life Ranks (God-in-Training and God), a crafting feature allowing for varied item appearances from the same recipe, new accessories called Wingmates, a customizable mount, new furniture, and new monsters. The release timing for the DLC has not yet been announced.
Inazuma Eleven: Bold Revolution announced, sequel to Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road
Level-5 has announced Inazuma Eleven: Bold Revolution, a sequel to Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road. The new title will introduce a new protagonist named Shane Starfall, with further details and platform confirmations expected at the next Level-5 Vision event. The company also shared news regarding the Professor Layton and the Curious Village Remake.
Dragon Quest creator comments on why DQ9 was a Nintendo DS exclusive, team was “a little disheartened” by the fan reaction
Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii reflected on the decision to make Dragon Quest 9 a Nintendo DS exclusive, citing the desire for easy local network play and multiplayer features. He admitted that the team was disheartened by the fan criticism at the time, who had expected a successor to the 3D graphics of Dragon Quest 8 on home consoles. While Dragon Quest 9 remains a Nintendo DS title, the possibility of a remake on modern platforms is hinted at.
Level-5 talks Professor Layton and the New World of Steam
Level-5 president Akihiro Hino discussed the upcoming Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, stating that its ending will be satisfying and thought-provoking in the current age of AI. He also hinted at the game's relevance to contemporary societal themes.
Level-5 talks Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, believes “the ending will make people think a little”
Level-5 president Akihiro Hino discussed Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, noting that its ending is designed to make players think about the implications of AI and technological advancement. He also confirmed that the game will feature the most puzzles in the series, developed by Quizknock, and will preserve the satisfying conclusion characteristic of previous titles.
Level-5 tests employees knowledge of company resulting in significant pay rises
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino revealed in an interview that the company extensively tests employees on their knowledge of its games and philosophy. Those who perform well on these tests are rewarded with significant pay raises, indicating a focus on internal expertise and company alignment.
CEO of major Japanese studio says employees get pay raises if they ace a quiz about its games, because that's…
Level-5 CEO Akihiro Hino has implemented a unique pay raise system where employees can earn more money by passing quizzes about the company's games. Hino believes that deep knowledge of Level-5's titles is a genuine skill that increases employee efficiency and streamlines workflows, justifying the cost of the raises.
Level-5's 'Snack World' RPG Is Getting A Full-Blown Remake On Switch 2
Level-5 announced Snack World: Reloaded, a full remake of the 2017 RPG Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl, for the Nintendo Switch. The remake will feature updated visuals, new mechanics, and a fresh storyline from the perspective of the anime's protagonist, Chup. Development is reportedly going well, though Level-5's Akihiro Hino suggests it may still be years away.
Level-5 Release Dates Still Up In The Air For Some Potential 2026 Titles
Level-5's recent showcase provided updates on several upcoming titles, but release dates for Inazuma Eleven RE and Holy Horror Mansion remain uncertain, with Decapolice now listed as 'In Development' and potentially targeting the Switch 2. President Akihiro Hino's support for AI in game development has also drawn attention amidst fan frustration over delays.
Snack World: Reloaded Announced by Level-5 as Remake for PS5, Switch 2, and PC
Level-5 has announced Snack World: Reloaded, a full remake of Snack World: The Dungeon Crawl – Gold, for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. CEO Akihiro Hino stated that the remake features reworked gameplay systems, controls, and story elements, with enhanced graphics and a new playable character mode.
New Professor Layton Trailer Is Our Best Look Yet At The Upcoming Adventure
A new trailer for Professor Layton and The New World of Steam offers the best look yet at the upcoming puzzle-adventure game, confirming its 2026 release window. The trailer showcases gameplay, side characters, and features a theme song by composer Joe Hisaishi. Level-5 president Akihiro Hino stated the game is nearing completion.
Level-5 Vision 2026 Craftsmanship Stream To Air This Week | Console Creatures
Level-5 will host its Vision 2026 Craftsmanship showcase on April 10, 2026, featuring updates from President and CEO Akihiro Hino. The stream is expected to provide new information on upcoming titles such as Decapolice, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, Fantasy Life I, and Inazuma Eleven, with potential for remakes or sequels to older franchises.
Level-5 Vision 2026 Craftsmanship Stream Will Cover New Games This Week
Level-5 will host its Vision 2026 Craftsmanship stream on April 10, 2026, to provide updates on upcoming games. President and CEO Akihiro Hino is expected to host, showcasing new trailers and release windows for titles like Decapolice and Professor Layton and the New World of Steam. The presentation will be available on YouTube with English and Traditional Chinese subtitles.
Level-5 Will Finally Share News On Its Upcoming Titles In 'Vision 2026' Showcase
Level-5 will host a 'Vision 2026' showcase on Friday, April 10th, 2026, to provide updates on its upcoming titles. The presentation will stream on the Level-5 YouTube channel and is expected to feature multiple games, potentially including Professor Layton and The New World of Steam and DECAPOLICE.
