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Cygames released an official statement on Wednesday in response to backlash from fans following the announcement of its new subsidiary, Cygames AI Studio. The company clarified that it is not using generative AI–produced art in any of its current games or products, and emphasized that it will not introduce generative AI into its titles without prior notice.

In the statement, Cygames acknowledged that the announcement failed to address widespread concerns and ongoing social debates surrounding generative AI. The company admitted fans felt anger and disappointment, and reiterated that all artwork used in its existing games and projects is created through the technical expertise and manual labor of its staff.

Cygames AI Studio was founded in December and is intended to research and develop AI technologies that can be used safely and efficiently by game creators. According to the company, the goal of the subsidiary is to demonstrate how AI can support creativity, rather than replace creators. The studio is based in Shibuya, Tokyo, with Eitoshi Ashihara serving as CEO.

Cygames is a subsidiary of CyberAgent, which established internal guidelines for generative AI use in April 2024. These guidelines stress avoiding copyright infringement, prohibit uploading copyrighted materials without permission, and require creators to treat AI-generated content only as a starting point rather than a final product. The rules also forbid prompts referencing specific creators, works, or public figures.

Founded in 2011, Cygames is known for major franchises such as Uma Musume Pretty Derby, Granblue Fantasy, and Rage of Bahamut. The company has also expanded globally with branches in the United States, Europe, South Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore.