Sony-Backed Startup Unveils AI Tool to Simplify Game Development

A Sony-funded artificial-intelligence company is launching a platform it says will make video-game creation accessible to people without coding expertise, the latest effort to lower technical barriers in the multibillion-dollar gaming industry.

Jabali.ai this week introduced Jabali Studio, which uses automated tools and AI assistants to help users design, build and publish games in both 2D and 3D formats. The platform represents a bet that AI can democratize game development, a field that has traditionally required specialized programming skills and sizable teams.

The startup raised $5 million in seed funding in March 2024, led by Bitkraft Ventures, with participation from Sapphire Ventures and the Sony Innovation Fund, the investment arm of the Japanese entertainment and electronics giant. The launch of Jabali Studio comes as the company advances its vision of making game creation more accessible.

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Jabali Studio offers two primary modes: Vibe Code for gameplay mechanics and Design Mode for visual elements. The platform integrates with major AI systems including Alphabet Inc.'s Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, OpenAI's ChatGPT and xAI's Grok, allowing users to work with multiple AI assistants through a single interface.

The software supports several game engines and frameworks, including Godot and Phaser, with plans to add Unity Technologies' Unity and Epic Games Inc.'s Unreal Engine. Users retain full access to source code, a feature aimed at more experienced developers who want granular control.

Among its AI-powered features are automated debugging, self-healing projects that can repair broken code, and publishing tools. An AI co-pilot operates in four modes—Autonomous, Collaborative, Cautious and Creative—giving users varying levels of AI assistance.

"Game creation has long been limited by the complexity of tools and the need for large technical teams," said Vatsal Bhardwaj, Jabali.ai's founder and chief executive.

The launch aligns with Sony Innovation Fund's broader investment strategy in AI-powered entertainment technologies. The move comes as major gaming companies explore how artificial intelligence can streamline production and expand the creator base beyond traditional studios and experienced programmers.