Sony has officially announced a new partnership with Bandai Namco focused on exploring generative AI technologies, signaling an even bigger push toward AI-powered tools across the future of PlayStation and entertainment.
The announcement comes shortly after Sony’s latest financial presentation, where executives spent significant time discussing artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and how these technologies could shape the future of gaming.
Sony Says AI Will Support — Not Replace — Creators
During the presentation, Sony explained that it is already using AI-powered tools to improve workflows across several areas of game development.
According to the company, repetitive tasks are increasingly being automated, while AI tools are helping accelerate software engineering, quality assurance, 3D modeling, and animation pipelines.
One of the showcased tools, called Mockingbird, can reportedly generate animated 3D dance models directly from performance capture data.
Despite the growing investment in AI, Sony repeatedly emphasized that creators and artists will remain at the center of game development.
“AI is a powerful tool, but is not a replacement for artists or creators. It is an amplifier of human imagination and catalyst for new possibilities,” Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki stated during the earnings presentation.
Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino echoed those comments, explaining that AI will help PlayStation remain “the best place to play and publish games.”
New Sony, Bandai Namco, and Gaudiy Partnership Announced
Sony also revealed a brand-new strategic partnership involving Bandai Namco and Japanese tech company Gaudiy.
As part of the collaboration, Sony and Bandai Namco will reportedly invest 10 billion yen into Gaudiy in an effort to expand Japanese entertainment IP globally and develop new fan-focused ecosystems.
The partnership focuses on five major goals:
- Expanding Japanese IP worldwide
- Improving content and IP creation
- Combining data assets between companies
- Building blockchain-based fan ecosystems
- Developing new generative AI entertainment experiences
One of the first confirmed AI initiatives already involves official GUNPLA (Gundam model kit) projects using generative AI image technology.
Sony Wants AI to Power Future PlayStation Experiences
Beyond development tools, Sony also discussed how AI could eventually shape player experiences directly on PlayStation.
According to the company, AI systems could help recommend games, subscriptions, accessories, merchandise, and even specific gameplay moments tailored to each player’s interests.
Sony additionally highlighted PSSR, the PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution technology used in the PS5 Pro, which relies on machine learning to improve image quality and performance.
PS5 Approaching 100 Million Units Sold
Alongside the AI announcements, Sony’s latest earnings report also revealed that the PlayStation 5 is quickly approaching the 100 million units sold milestone.
The company confirmed that an additional 16 million PS5 consoles were sold throughout fiscal year 2025, bringing lifetime sales close to 94 million units worldwide.
Sony also revealed that approximately 85% of PlayStation game sales are now digital, further highlighting the company’s shift toward digital ecosystems and online services.
While PS5 hardware sales are expected to slow as the console enters the later stages of its lifecycle, upcoming games such as Saros, Marvel’s Wolverine, and especially Grand Theft Auto VI could still provide a major boost moving forward.
For now, one thing seems clear: Sony believes AI will play a massive role in the future of PlayStation — but insists human creativity will remain the driving force behind its games.
