Sony 2025 report outlines AI plans for anime production and video game development

Sony Entertainment Group has outlined plans to expand the use of artificial intelligence in anime and video games as part of its 2025 corporate report.

The company confirmed that machine-learning technology has already been integrated into several production processes to improve efficiency and reduce manual workloads for creators.

The report highlighted Sony’s development of an automatic lip-sync engine, first introduced in 2021, which recognises phoneme and timing information from voice data to speed up dubbing.

In addition, voice recognition software was used during the creation of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 to automate simultaneous subtitling in certain languages.

According to the report, the aim is to reduce the strain on staff working under tight deadlines. “In the production process for games and anime, creators are pressed for time due to the multitude of manual tasks they are required to manage,” it stated.

Machine-learning tools are being deployed to streamline subtitling and lip-syncing. Beyond media, Sony confirmed that its generative AI system Enterprise LLM has been introduced to over 200 affiliated organisations to support productivity.

The use of AI in anime has prompted debate within the industry, but Sony’s approach mirrors recent projects in Japan where generative AI has been applied to assist animators with repetitive work.

Frontier Works’ Twins Hinahima used AI to finalise the majority of its cuts earlier this year, with its director defending the process as a way to improve efficiency.

Anime remains central to Sony’s strategy. The company’s subsidiary Aniplex co-produced Solo Leveling, which was dubbed into 10 languages and adapted into both anime and video games.

Sony also distributed Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, now Japan’s second highest-grossing film. Looking ahead, Sony has confirmed a Ghost of Tsushima anime adaptation, currently scheduled for 2027.