- Game: Crazy Taxi: World Tour
- Developer: SEGA
- Platform: PlayStation 5
- Release Year: 2026
Crazy Taxi: World Tour is currently in development for the PlayStation 5, with the team at SEGA utilizing modern technology to support the production of this latest entry in the iconic franchise. As we reported here at In Game News, there has been significant discussion regarding the implementation of generative AI during the game's creation process. Following initial reports, series creator Kenji Kanno has provided a clear statement regarding how the studio integrates these tools, confirming that they are used strictly for reference purposes rather than the generation of final in-game assets.
Clarifying Generative AI Usage in Crazy Taxi: World Tour
The conversation surrounding the development of Crazy Taxi: World Tour intensified following early announcements, leading to questions about the extent of AI involvement. Initial reports suggested that generative AI might have been utilized for background assets. However, subsequent updates provided by the development team have refined this information. Kenji Kanno, the series creator, addressed these concerns directly in an interview with Kotaku, explaining the specific workflow adopted by the artists and programmers.
According to Kanno, the team utilizes generative AI as a conceptual aid. Artists generate initial ideas or reference images using these tools, which then serve as a starting point for the human creative process. Once the reference is established, the actual assets—ranging from programming code to environmental models—are manually created by the developers. Kanno emphasized that the final product does not contain any AI-generated assets, ensuring that human labor remains the primary driver of the game's visual and mechanical components.
The Role of Reference Tools in Modern Development
In the context of the PlayStation 5, developers are increasingly looking for ways to streamline workflows without compromising the quality of the final output. The use of AI as a reference tool allows artists to iterate on concepts quickly. By generating multiple variations of a background or an environmental detail, the team can establish a visual direction before committing to the manual creation process. This approach is distinct from generative AI that produces finished textures, models, or code that is directly imported into the game engine.
SEGA has maintained that its internal policies allow for generative AI as an optional support tool. The goal, as stated by the company, is to enable teams to focus on creative tasks that require human intuition and decision-making. By offloading the initial ideation phase to these tools, the developers aim to allocate more time to refining the core gameplay experience that fans of the original 1999 arcade classic expect.
Technical Expectations for PlayStation 5
As development continues for the PlayStation 5, players are looking toward how the hardware will handle the high-speed, arcade-style gameplay synonymous with the series. While specific technical benchmarks have not been released, the move to current-generation hardware suggests a focus on performance and visual fidelity. The integration of modern rendering techniques, potentially utilizing PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution), remains a point of interest for those tracking the game's technical progression.
For more updates on upcoming titles, you can follow our racing game coverage or check our archives for our SEGA news reports. The development cycle for Crazy Taxi: World Tour is being monitored closely as the team balances traditional development methods with the evolving landscape of industry technology.
Developer Statements and Industry Context
The statements provided by Kenji Kanno serve as the definitive account of the studio's stance on AI. By clarifying that AI is not used for performers or final assets, the team has addressed concerns regarding the authenticity of the game's content. This distinction is important for consumers who are tracking the use of generative tools in the gaming industry. The following list outlines the key points regarding the current status of the project:
- All in-game assets, including programming and art, are created by human developers.
- Generative AI is limited to the ideation and reference stage of development.
- No AI-generated content is used in relation to the performers featured in the game.
- The development team reviews all output derived from internal reference tools.
As we look toward the 2026 release, the transparency provided by the development team regarding these processes helps set expectations for the final product. The focus remains on delivering a title that captures the spirit of the original 1999 release while utilizing the power of the PlayStation 5 to provide a modern arcade experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section addresses common inquiries regarding the development of this title. These answers are based on the latest information provided by the development team and official company statements.
- Does Crazy Taxi: World Tour use generative AI?
- According to series creator Kenji Kanno, generative AI is used exclusively as a reference tool for artists to generate ideas, and no AI-generated assets are included in the final game.
- Is Crazy Taxi: World Tour PS5 using AI assets?
- No, the development team has confirmed that all assets, including programming and visual elements, are created by human developers.
- What did Kenji Kanno say about Crazy Taxi: World Tour development?
- Kenji Kanno stated that generative AI is only used as a reference for artists to look at before they draw the actual content that goes into the game.