Persona Artist Promises Not To Use Generative AI In Next Game

Published Jul 22, 2026, 12:16 PM EDT Joshua Robertson is an editor for TheGamer, having working in news, guides, features, and reviews since 2022. They have written thousands of news stories, ranging from industry-breaking events, to smaller, more personal community pieces, and have covered several high-profile showcases such as The Game Awards and Nintendo Directs. Joshua is considered an expert in soulslikes, horror, JRPGs and everything Final Fantasy, having written extensive coverage for massively popular online titles like Final Fantasy 14. Sign in to your TheGamer account Persona and Metaphor: ReFantazio artist Kazuma Kaneko is pretty legendary in the art scene, having most recently worked with Atlus on the demon design in the aforementioned Metaphor. He left Atlus a while ago to work on his own games with a company called Colopl, and that’s where he’s remained, having recently released a game titled Tsukuyomi: The Divine Hunter. However, the legendary artist’s games have been getting a bit of backlash recently, thanks to the use of generative AI. For example, Tsukuyomi: The Divine Hunter was criticized for featuring AI-generated cards that were based on player choice. Kaneko Isn't Using AI In His Next Game With Kaneko now looking to start up a new project, a fan recently asked him on Twitter (thanks GamesRadar) whether he was going to continue working with AI, or return to traditional drawing. His response made it clear that he’s never used AI in his own artwork, but that his next game won’t feature AI in its mechanics at all. “I'm planning to develop games at Colopl, and I'm preparing to turn it into an official project," says Kaneko. "I'm in a bit of a bind because of a misunderstanding, but while I did participate in a project that used AI in the game's mechanics, I haven't used AI for my own art. For the work I'm currently preparing, I'm not considering a game that uses AI in its mechanics.” That’s definitely good to hear, especially as AI becomes more of a problem in our daily lives. It was also pretty disappointing that such a prolific and esteemed artist was happy to have his work featured alongside AI art, but at least those looking forward to his next game can rest easy knowing all the art is going to be Kaneko originals. Released October 11, 2024 ESRB T For Teen // Blood, Language, Mild Suggestive Themes, Use of Alcohol, Violence Developer(s) Studio Zero Publisher(s) Atlus Engine GFD Number of Players 1 Steam Deck Compatibility Playable Genre(s) RPG, JRPG, Action, Adventure