Little by little, AI is investing in the video game industry for better or for worse. While this technology is evolving faster than it is regulated, its professional and artistic applications worry both developers and actors. So what will the future of the video game world be like if artificial intelligence were to replace certain branches of the profession? While the American actors' union SAG-AFTRA is thinking about a new strike to establish more rules, Microsoft seems to have no fear and launches its Xbox on the path of AI without further hesitation.
The American media The Verge has just learned of the development of a first tool based on this technology and intended for the Redmond console. This is a question of a “chat bot” advanced, whose objective would be to answer the various questions of players in relation to after-sales service. The company would seek to make this assistant a small recognizable character towards which users would not hesitate to turn. What we already imagine as a Clippy 2.0 would allow to relieve the congestion of Xbox customer service by carrying out a wide variety of tasks usually more tedious. “The prototype allows players to obtain help more easily and more quickly on support topics by using natural language and by taking information from existing Xbox support pages” explains Haiyan Zhang, general manager of artificial intelligence related to gaming at Xbox.
According to this exchange with The Verge, the virtual assistant will be able to take care of refunds for digital purchases, resolve subscription issues or even organize the return of a defective console. Later, it could also serve as an in-game guide for players who encounter difficulties. If this new functionality is only at Although it was initially a game changer, it is part of a broader effort by the company to integrate artificial intelligence into more aspects of Xbox gaming.
The inevitable AI
Although Microsoft's "chat bot" promises to be a valuable aid for gamers, the development of artificial intelligence at Xbox is not enough to reassure industry players. According to sources from the American media, this first step would mark the beginning of a vast plan to revolutionize development on several levels. Despite the controversy surrounding generative AI, the Redmond firm would be ready to use these tools for the creation of 3D models and textures, as well as to give life to ever more realistic non-player characters (through a partnership with Inworld).
Also according to The Verge, the lack of official announcements around these projects would result precisely from the image that this technology carries within the industry. Microsoft is said to be moving forward tentatively in order to avoid offending players and workers alike. For now, these are therefore simple experiments that may never see the light of day. While there is no indication that AI will revolutionize the Xbox in the years to come, we at least have confirmation that the company is working hard on it. However, we must hope that these advances will serve to facilitate the daily lives of developers, game designers and other artists rather than replacing their professions. The fact remains that for now, the idea of being able to ask for in-game help from a virtual assistant has something to arouse curiosity. To be continued.
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