Yuji Horii Creates AI Game in About 30 Minutes

Dragon Quest series creator Yuji Horii has released a new game made with generative artificial intelligence. The 72-year-old posted the link on X on October 11, 2026 to claim it took him about 30 minutes to develop alone. He stated that the technology allowed him to create a decent experience without needing to code or draw.

The browser-based title is called Interrogation Room Komiya and features an interrogation scenario involving a suspect named Komiya. Players must select text prompts to question a 72-year-old man regarding a safe robbery while managing Agitation and Resistance meters. If these bars reach a maximum of 100, the suspect may stop providing answers altogether during the investigation.

Horii compared this process to making The Portopia Serial Murder Case for PC in 1983 where he handled story and programming himself. He noted that in the past he had to come up with the story, draw the art, and write the code without assistance. Now he says giving instructions to AI is enough to produce a result by himself.

Interest in artificial intelligence for game design dates back to late 2025 when Horii spoke at G-Star in South Korea. He suggested using an AI chatbot for quiz games or mystery cases where players solve crimes through conversation. When asked about incorporating AI into future titles, he replied with a simple yes to the interviewer.

The use of generative tools in Japan is common despite global concerns about quality or plagiarism. A recent industry survey claims nearly all online game developers in the country use these technologies to speed up work. However, other developers argue that relying on AI risks eliminating entry-level tasks needed to train new staff.

Dragon Quest XII has been in development longer than many expected after a major reboot last year. Some fans worry about the series direction given Horii's praise for AI alongside Square Enix admitting the project is still far from finished. While no confirmation exists regarding the use of generative tools in the main franchise, the creator maintains he is working on its scenario.