As artificial intelligence (AI) technology rapidly advances, the role of app builders is expected to diminish. Choi Seok-won, CEO of Com2us Platform, stated in a recent interview with Aju Economy that the company plans to focus on providing the infrastructure necessary for actual game services rather than merely supporting game production.
An app builder is a tool that enables users to create applications without coding knowledge. Recently, these tools have evolved to allow app development through natural language commands using AI. With AI agents capable of handling everything from game creation to server setup, changes in the role of existing development support services are anticipated.
In response to these changes, Com2us Platform launched 'Hive Axil' on September 30. Hive Axil is a software development kit (SDK) designed for direct use by AI agents, providing backend functionalities necessary for game launch and operation.
Previously, developers using Hive V4 had to understand service flows and apply code directly. Hive Axil simplifies the structure by separating service logic from the user interface (UI) and focusing on application programming interfaces (APIs). This allows AI agents to implement essential functions for game operations, such as login, payment, and data analysis.
Given the rapid advancement of AI technology, could AI eventually build and operate the backend functions provided by Hive Axil? Choi believes that while AI agents can reduce the steps involving separate development tools during app creation, the backend infrastructure required for commercial game operations will continue to be necessary.
“Even if games are developed using AI, various tasks are needed for actual service, from server setup to secure communication and administrative function implementation,” he emphasized. “Hive Axil's role is to take over these backend tasks so developers can focus on creating game content.”
Securing Global Developers Through AI Agents and Expanding Collaboration with OpenAI
Com2us Platform plans to target the global game development market with Hive Axil. The goal is for game developers worldwide to recommend Hive Axil as the backend service needed for game development while utilizing AI agents.
Choi stated, “Our aim is for global developers to ask AI agents which SDK or backend service to use and receive a recommendation for Hive. In a year, I hope that when someone expresses a desire to create a game, the AI agent will suggest signing up for Hive Axil.”
Com2us Platform is also expanding its collaboration with OpenAI. The company is conducting AI game development events with OpenAI to promote Hive Axil to global developers and secure users in the AI-based game development market.
Interest from overseas developers is also evident. According to Choi, about 40% of new sign-ups on the Hive platform site since the launch of Axil have come from abroad, with significant numbers from Brazil and Thailand, as well as registrations from the U.S., Europe, and the Middle East.
At Least One Year Until Hive Axil Becomes Profitable; “Our Growth Depends on Game Success”
It is expected to take time for Hive Axil to generate actual revenue. Currently, game companies are in the initial stages of considering its adoption, and securing actual customers and increasing usage are necessary. Com2us Platform plans to offer Axil for free until the end of this year and will begin charging based on API call volume next year.
Choi predicts that it will take at least a year for significant monetization. “The success of games using Hive Axil is crucial,” he explained. “As the traffic for those games increases, the number of API calls will rise, and our revenue will grow accordingly.”
Com2us Platform also operates an organization dedicated to the development and security response for Hive Axil. Of the approximately 200 employees, about 100 are developers, with around half focused on Axil-related development. There are also about 30 personnel dedicated to information security, conducting ongoing simulated hacking and automated security checks for new features.
Choi noted, “If the same functions as Axil are developed directly by AI, it could actually increase security risks. Security-related code should be implemented by humans, and established standard technologies known for their safety should be used for authentication.”
Given that Hive Axil offers similar functionalities to the existing V4, there was a question about whether both products need to be operated together. Choi expects that games built using the existing V4 will continue to use that service, while new games developed using AI will adopt Axil. Considering the trend of long-term service following game launches, he envisions both products being operated concurrently for at least the next ten years.
Regarding the potential for expansion into industries beyond gaming, Choi stated that the company will focus on the gaming sector for the time being. “While we are considering applications in other fields, each industry has its unique requirements,” he said. “For now, we will concentrate on the gaming sector where we have built our experience.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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