Crazy Taxi creator: World Tour used AI only as reference

Kenji Kanno, creator of the Crazy Taxi series, says generative AI was used only as a visual reference during development of Crazy Taxi: World Tour and that humans produced and approved all final game assets. The game is scheduled for release on PS5 in 2027.

Kanno explained that artists generated images with AI to spark ideas, then used those images as reference when drawing final artwork. He said programming, models and other assets were produced by the studio’s staff rather than taken directly from AI output.

The publisher described generative AI as an optional support tool for developers and said it was used during development to assist with background assets. Any material influenced by AI, the publisher added, went through team review. The publisher also stated that no AI was used in relation to the game’s performers.

World Tour was announced earlier this year with a story campaign that follows protagonist Axel, multiple multiplayer modes, a variety of vehicles and customization options, and an Arcade mode intended to reflect the series’ classic play style. The announcement also highlighted a licensed soundtrack and the return of Kanno to lead the project.

The AI disclosures appeared in development notes posted on distribution platforms after the announcement. Those notes prompted questions about how much AI contributed to the game; Kanno and the publisher provided statements clarifying that the tool’s role was limited to idea generation and reference use.

Kanno offered a direct summary of the development practice: ‘We used [generative AI] as a reference,’ he said via translator, noting that artists would view generated images and then create the finished assets by hand. Developers maintain that the assets shipping with the game were completed and approved by human creators.