Capcom developers behind Pragmata intentionally crafted its New York-like cityscape to appear AI-generated and distorted. Director Cho Yonghee and producer Naoto Oyama explained the design choices aim to convey a fake version of the city. The game launches next month on multiple platforms.
Pragmata director Cho Yonghee described the game's New York-inspired environment as based on the premise of 'a fake New York generated by AI'. In an interview with 4Gamer, translated by Automaton, he said familiar locations help players relate, but distortions make clear it is not the real city. The team added deliberate errors, such as inverted streets, buses sprouting from walls, and taxis sinking into floors, to create an uncanny effect. Producer Naoto Oyama noted these elements mirror reality while their out-of-place feel provides unique appeal. Despite the AI premise, Capcom's human developers painstakingly incorporated mechanisms to express this sensation. Cho highlighted the challenge of balancing distortions to keep them visually interesting as background without confusing players or mimicking puzzle clues. Oyama confirmed no player feedback has indicated paths are difficult or confusing. Originally revealed in 2020 with a planned 2022 release, Pragmata now arrives on April 17 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2. A demo is currently available on Steam.
