Netease denies shutting AI research or banning developers from AI

In a report from Gamesradar, Marvel Rivals owner Netease responded to a claim by Japanese developer Goichi Suda (Suda51) that the company had shuttered its generative AI research department and instructed its studios to avoid the technology. Netease said it is still investing in AI tech.

Eurogamer reported Suda's comments: "They originally had a section researching and developing AI-related stuff, but at one point they decided not to do that any more. They folded that section and told their studios to not use AI in games, to not use it at all."

Netease is set to host at least two panels explaining applications of AI in game development at this year's Game Developers Conference. A search shows the GDC 2026 schedule lists two AI-related talks from Netease employees, including a game AI designer, a technical manager, and a technical art manager.

Japan