Gemini in Dragon Quest, Copilot in Xbox: AI bots are making their way into video games

© Square Enix

AI is embedded in video games

So the use of Gemini is made to support newbies. Square Enix and Google have announced the development of a companion character with AI based on the Gemini models. Named « Chatty Slimey », the bot will generate voice responses to queries typed in the game's chat. The AI can also analyze information displayed on the screen, allowing it to intervene spontaneously, for example after a defeat against a tough boss or the acquisition of a rare item.

This new companion will prevent « new players from feeling lost or isolated, by offering them a unique partner to accompany them », explains Takashi Anzai, head of game operations. On the other hand, Jack Buser from Google Cloud believes that « AI will have an extremely significant impact on the player experience » and is convinced that it will « deeply transform all games in the next three to five years ». A beta testing phase is planned, interested players can sign up until the end of the month.

Microsoft is not idle either. The bot Gaming Copilot will find a small place in the Xbox Series S and X this year, announced Sonali Yadav, product lead within the Gaming AI Partner group at Xbox, during the GDC. This bot already exists in a mobile version, for Windows 11 and ROG Xbox Ally consoles.

Players can ask Copilot questions about games themselves, such as « What are the materials needed to build a sword in Minecraft ? », but also get game recommendations, help with a detail of their account, or information about their history. The bot, in beta on current platforms, hasn't really emerged on players' radars but this might change when it makes an appearance on Xbox consoles.

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