Microsoft has announced a partnership with Inworld AI to develop tools for Xbox that will enable game developers to create AI-powered characters, stories, and quests. This multiyear collaboration aims to provide developers with an “AI design copilot” system that can assist in creating detailed scripts, dialogue trees, quest lines, and more.
Haiyan Zhang, the general manager of gaming AI at Xbox, stated that Microsoft believes better tools can help creators develop extraordinary games. The partnership will leverage Inworld’s expertise in generative AI models for character development, Microsoft’s advanced cloud-based AI solutions including Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft Research’s insights into the future of play, and Team Xbox’s strengths in revolutionizing accessible and responsible creator tools for all developers.
The AI toolset developed through this collaboration will encompass an AI design copilot for scripts and dialogue, as well as an AI character engine that can be integrated into games to dynamically generate stories, quests, and dialogue.
Inworld AI has been working on AI non-playable characters (NPCs) that can respond to questions from players, similar to how ChatGPT or Bing Chat responds to natural language queries. These AI NPCs can provide responses in unique voices and can include complex dialogue trees or personalized dynamic storylines within a game. In addition, Inworld’s technology can be used for narration, allowing companions in top-down role-playing games to warn players of upcoming groups of enemies.
Related Post
Ilya Gelfenbeyn, CEO of Inworld AI, highlighted that AI has long played a critical role in game development, from enemy AI to procedural generation. The advent of large language models and generative AI has opened up new opportunities for storytelling and character engagement within games.
It’s important to note that Microsoft is presenting these tools as optional for game developers, giving them the autonomy to decide the level of generative AI utilized in their future titles. This approach addresses concerns raised by developers like Embark Studios, which had to defend its use of AI-generated voices, stating that “making games without actors isn’t an end goal.” The ability to choose whether to incorporate generative AI provides developers with the flexibility to balance their creative vision and the need for human performers.
The integration of generative AI in creative fields like game design and voice acting has sparked controversy. The recent approval of strike authorization for video game performers by the SAG-AFTRA actors union demonstrates the industry’s concerns over exploitative uses of AI and stagnant wages. Ray Rodriguez, SAG-AFTRA’s chief contracts officer, emphasized the shared challenges faced by video game professionals and those in film and television.
Microsoft aims to position its tools as supportive resources, similar to its Copilot system for Microsoft 365 and Windows. Zhang expressed the company’s desire to facilitate developers’ realization of their visions, experimentation, and pushing the boundaries of gaming. The goal is to collaborate and innovate with both Xbox Studios and third-party studios to develop tools that meet their specific needs and inspire new possibilities for future games.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s partnership with Inworld AI to develop AI-powered tools for Xbox game developers reflects their commitment to enhancing the gaming experience. By harnessing the power of generative AI, these tools aim to enable the creation of immersive and dynamic game worlds filled with compelling characters and stories. However, the potential impact on traditional performers and concerns about exploitation underscore the need for responsible and ethical use of AI in the gaming industry.
