Capcom unveils plan to turn RE Engine into an “AI-generation game engine”
In short
Capcom presented plans at its own tech conference, Capcom Open Conference RE: 2026, to gradually transform its RE Engine into an “AI-generation game engine” through a project called REX. Programmer Satoshi Ishida said integrating AI into development workflows has become essential as games grow larger. Capcom has said previously it will not use AI-generated assets in its games.
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Capcom used its own technology conference, Capcom Open Conference RE: 2026, to set out plans to gradually transform the RE Engine — the engine behind its modern games — into what it calls an “AI-generation game engine.” The company presented the work as a multi-step improvement project named REX. Programmer Satoshi Ishida gave the presentation, titled “The Outlook and Future of the REX Project, Further Evolving the RE Engine for the Next Generation.” [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Ishida described three problems Capcom faces in development, as reported by the Japanese outlet GameBiz and relayed by IGN: games have become so large that simple processes are extremely time-consuming; rising staff numbers mean the engine needs to be easy for everyone to use; and “successfully integrating AI technology into development workflows has become an essential condition for streamlining future development.” Capcom concluded that adding improvements incrementally, rather than building a new engine from scratch, is the best route to a next-generation engine, IGN reported. [ 1 , 3 ]
PC Gamer reported that REX covers six programs that integrate AI and machine-learning technology into the engine. Among them, Re:Dox translates different types of data into a common set of rules for faster processing; RE:UI provides AI-assisted optimisation of the engine's development tools; RE:Runtime lets the engine animate large numbers of objects and characters in groups; and PC Gamer called RE:Flows the most intriguing of the tools. IGN added that Capcom is making at least some of the improvements open-source for the purpose of training AI, and that REX unifies the engine system under “the world's most common programming language.” [ 1 , 2 ]
Ishida framed the effort as building toward “a future where we create games together with AI,” according to IGN's translation cited by The Verge. The Verge noted that the phrasing and the AI-generation engine plan appear to leave the door open to broader use, even though Capcom has said it will not use AI-generated assets in its games and would instead focus on making development more efficient. [ 1 , 3 ]
Engadget reported that Capcom previously said, during a question-and-answer portion of a shareholders' meeting, that it would explore using AI to assist with graphics, sound and programming but clearly stated it would not use AI-generated content in its games. From Capcom's latest remarks, Engadget said, it does not appear the company will use AI-generated assets in its games, but rather AI to speed up the development process. [ 3 , 4 ]
PC Gamer described Capcom as being on a strong run, with Resident Evil: Requiem, Pragmata and Onimusha: Way of the Sword all landing to critical acclaim and commercial success. Engadget noted that other game companies have also welcomed AI for development, citing Epic Games' plan to incorporate Claude and Gemini into Unreal Engine. [ 2 , 4 ]
Why it matters
Capcom's RE Engine powers its modern titles, so a shift toward AI-assisted development at the company would be a visible test of how a major Japanese publisher uses the technology. Other game companies have already moved in this direction, Engadget noted, citing Epic Games' plan to incorporate Claude and Gemini into Unreal Engine. The documents give no figures for cost, timing or expected effect on game output.
Key facts
- Capcom outlined a multi-step improvement project called REX to evolve its RE Engine into an “AI-generation game engine,” presented at the Capcom Open Conference RE: 2026. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The presentation was given by Capcom programmer Satoshi Ishida, titled “The Outlook and Future of the REX Project, Further Evolving the RE Engine for the Next Generation.” [ 1 , 3 ]
- Ishida cited three development problems: games have grown so large that simple processes are extremely time-consuming, rising staff numbers require an engine that is easy for everyone to use, and integrating AI into development workflows has become “an essential condition for streamlining future development,” as reported by GameBiz and relayed by IGN. [ 1 , 3 ]
- According to PC Gamer, REX involves six programs that integrate AI and machine-learning technology into the engine, including Re:Dox, RE:UI, RE:Runtime and RE:Flows. [ 2 ]
- Capcom is making at least some of the REX improvements open-source for the purpose of training AI, IGN reported. [ 1 ]
- Capcom has said previously that it will not use AI-generated assets in its games and would focus on using AI to make development more efficient. [ 3 , 4 ]
- The stated long-term goal is “a future where we create games together with AI,” according to IGN's translation. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Engadget noted that other game companies have also embraced AI for development, citing Epic Games' plan to incorporate Claude and Gemini into Unreal Engine. [ 4 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Capcom presented plans to gradually transform its RE Engine into an “AI-generation game engine” at its Capcom Open Conference RE: 2026. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The presentation was given by Capcom programmer Satoshi Ishida. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Capcom has said previously that it will not use AI-generated content in its games. [ 3 , 4 ]
- Capcom's stated goal is “a future where we create games together with AI,” per IGN's translation. [ 1 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- Whether Capcom will use AI-generated assets in its games in the future. Capcom has said it will not, but The Verge notes the “AI-generation game engine” plan appears to leave the door open; no document reports a change in that stated policy.
- The full list and complete details of the REX programs. PC Gamer says REX involves six programs and names four of them (Re:Dox, RE:UI, RE:Runtime, RE:Flows); no document lists all six or gives full technical detail.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Capcom holds the Capcom Open Conference RE: 2026, where programmer Satoshi Ishida presents the REX project for evolving the RE Engine. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- IGN publishes its report on the conference, saying the RE Engine is to become an “AI-generation game engine.” [ 1 ]
- PC Gamer reports that REX covers six programs integrating AI and machine learning, including Re:Dox, RE:UI, RE:Runtime and RE:Flows. [ 2 ]
- The Verge reports that Capcom has said previously it will not use AI-generated assets in its games. [ 3 ]
- Engadget reports Capcom's earlier statement at a shareholders' meeting that it would not use AI-generated content in its games. [ 4 ]