Capcom Unveils Plans to Evolve RE Engine into AI-Generation Game Engine
- Capcom aims to convert its RE Engine into an “AI-generation game engine” as part of the REX Project.
- The transformation was announced by programmer Satoshi Ishida during the “Capcom Open Conference RE:2026” on October 2.
- New systems including RE:Dox, RE:UI, and RE:Flows will enhance workflow and integrate AI directly into game development.
Capcom has set its sights on transforming its proprietary RE Engine into an “AI-generation game engine.” This initiative was revealed by programmer Satoshi Ishida at the “Capcom Open Conference RE:2026,” which took place on October 2, 2023. This endeavor is part of an extensive overhaul called the REX Project.
The RE Engine, which has been under development since 2014, first debuted in 2017 with Resident Evil 7 and has since powered nearly 30 titles from Capcom.
Ishida highlighted three primary challenges driving the REX Project: the increasing scale and data volume of games is slowing down build and iteration times; the RE Engine is used by over 2,000 developers, necessitating improved multilingual and accessibility features; and AI must be integrated into the development pipeline rather than being an afterthought.
To address these challenges, Capcom plans to incorporate several new systems into the REX Project. These include RE:Dox, which standardizes data processing across various formats; RE:UI, designed to expedite development tools by separating appearance from state; and RE:Log, which replaces traditional text-based logging with an ID-based system.
Additionally, Ishida mentioned RE:Flows, a visual scripting tool that converts scripts into standard code automatically, and RE:Runtime, a redesigned runtime core focused on batch processing for numerous characters, supported by a new execution layer named RE:C++.
The vision behind this transformation is to create an engine capable of understanding and generating code, conducting automated test plays to identify bugs, and directly assisting in game development, moving towards a future where teams “create games together with AI.” Capcom has already begun open-sourcing some of its foundational technology to facilitate AI training.
This announcement follows Capcom’s earlier statements in June regarding its use of generative AI, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency so that developers can concentrate on creating core value, while emphasizing that “the creativity at the core of such experiences should be handled by humans.”
In related news, the upcoming Switch 2 port of Monster Hunter Wilds, featuring all free DLC updates including new monsters, is scheduled for release on December 4, 2023, and will include local co-op functionality.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
