Square Enix to Automate 70% of QA and Debugging Workflow with AI by 2027

Square Enix, a leading name in global video game publishing and development known for iconic franchises such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, has unveiled an ambitious plan to automate 70% of its quality assurance (QA) and debugging processes using generative AI technologies by 2027.

The update, disclosed in a progress report linked to its 'Square Enix Reboots and Awakens' business strategy, highlights the company's commitment to increasing the efficiency of game development and reinforcing its market leadership in the ever-evolving gaming industry. In a move to modernize its development pipeline, Square Enix has established a collaborative partnership with the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo.

The objective of this collaboration is to apply advanced AI solutions that can streamline labor-intensive QA operations and debugging—traditionally considered among the most demanding phases in game production.

According to the company’s announcement, the joint team comprises researchers from the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at UTokyo and engineers from throughout the Square Enix Group, forming a specialized unit of more than ten members. A Square Enix spokesperson summarized the initiative by stating the company aims to 'improve the efficiency of QA operations and establish a competitive advantage in game development' through AI-driven automation.

By integrating generative AI, the publisher plans to not only accelerate the testing process for Nintendo Switch titles and other platforms but also reduce development cycles, potentially bringing new games to market faster across the eShop and retail channels. The announcement comes at a time when many major studios are exploring generative AI for game design and operational improvement.

Electronic Arts (EA), for instance, has recently partnered with Stability AI to create AI models designed to assist artists, designers, and developers.

In a statement, EA emphasized the supportive rather than replacement role that AI would serve, noting that 'AI can draft, generate, and analyze, but it can’t imagine, empathize, or dream,' underscoring the ongoing importance of human creativity in the development process. Square Enix’s strategic investment in automation echoes broader trends across the industry, where game developers are seeking to leverage advanced technology to manage ever-increasing complexities in game design and expanded player expectations, especially on high-profile consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

While the topic of AI adoption inevitably elicits a range of responses—given ongoing concerns about job security and technology's limitations in nuanced tasks—Square Enix is clearly positioning itself at the forefront of digital transformation within the interactive entertainment sector. As the company moves forward with its AI partnership and automation goals, it will be closely watched by industry peers, Nintendo Switch fans, and professional developers for the impact on game quality, release efficiency, and the future role of creative professionals in game development.

Square Enix Tokyo AI Enix Square game development University of Tokyo generative AI Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory Nintendo Switch Stability AI EA