DeNA Taps AI

Utopai Studios and DeNA Co., Ltd. have partnered to develop AI-assisted animation projects in Japan, integrating Utopai's storytelling AI system, PAI, into DeNA's animation workflows. This partnership marks a significant collaboration between the two companies, with DeNA's Entertainment Development Business Unit set to utilize PAI in its experimental animation workflows.

The PAI system is already being used by other notable companies, including Huace Film & TV in China for the animated series 'Journey to the West: The Lost Five Hundred Years'. Additionally, PAI is being used on film and television projects in the U.S. and on international co-productions spanning Europe, North America, and Asia.

A team of Utopai AI production specialists will work alongside DeNA's creative and production staff in Japan, contributing to early visual concepts, character and environment design, and the iterative production process. However, DeNA's artists will retain authority over story, visual style, performances, and tone, with final sign-off on every creative decision.

Cecilia Shen, CEO and co-founder of Utopai Studios, highlighted the importance of Japan's animation market and DeNA's understanding of its creators and audiences. Minabe Naoki, head of DeNA's Entertainment Development Business Unit, emphasized the need for creativity, consistency, and attention to detail in animation production.

## Why it matters The partnership between Utopai and DeNA is significant, as it combines new production capabilities with the artistry and judgment that define great animation. This collaboration has the potential to grow significantly over time, with Japan being one of the world's most important and influential animation markets. The use of AI-assisted animation tools like PAI can enhance the production process, allowing for more efficient and creative storytelling.

## What happens next As the partnership progresses, Utopai and DeNA will work together to develop new animation projects, leveraging the capabilities of PAI to create innovative and engaging content. With DeNA's artists maintaining control over the creative decisions, the collaboration is expected to produce high-quality animation that showcases the best of Japanese storytelling and artistry.