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Ubisoft Unveils Next-Gen AI Gaming Prototypes
Gaming industry leader Ubisoft recently showcased a glimpse of its cutting-edge AI gaming prototypes, introducing a new type of non-player character (NPC) with remarkable capabilities. These groundbreaking NEO NPCs, revealed at the prestigious Game Developer Conference in San Francisco, signify a significant leap in the realm of artificial intelligence and gaming.
While recognizing that the development of NEO NPCs is still in progress, Ubisoft highlighted the profound impact these characters will have on player experiences. By imbuing NPCs with advanced cognitive functions and interactive skills, Ubisoft aims to revolutionize player-NPC interactions and spearhead the integration of artificial intelligence technologies within the gaming landscape.
Unprecedented Advancements in NPC Technology
During the GDC demonstration, players engaged with the NEO NPC AI, marveling at its unprecedented cognitive and interactive proficiencies, such as emotional responses, memory capabilities, situational awareness, and complex decision-making. Ubisoft’s innovative approach leverages voice-to-chat technology, enabling NPCs to engage in meaningful dialogues, pose inquiries, and assist players in strategizing future gameplay actions.
“Constructing a character’s background, aspirations, and life experiences fuel my dialogue creation process,” stated Ubisoft’s narrative director Virginie Mosser. “For the first time, I can engage in conversations with a character I’ve envisioned—an aspiration I’ve cherished since childhood.”
Partnering with industry leaders like chipmaker Nvidia and Inworld AI, Ubisoft harnessed Nvidia’s Audio2Face technology, from its ACE suite, to enhance NPC realism by incorporating lifelike facial expressions.
Empowering Writers and Developers through AI
Ubisoft’s collaboration with Inworld AI has empowered writers to craft intricate NPC backgrounds, knowledge bases, and dialogue options. By integrating generative AI technologies into the creative process, Ubisoft ensures that developers remain at the forefront of innovation, with generative AI adding value only when aligned with developers’ creative vision.
“Our creative process revolves around the needs of our players and developers,” emphasized Ubisoft’s senior vice president of production technology, Guillemette Picard. “Generative AI serves a purpose only when it enriches the development process—our developers’ creativity remains the primary driver of our projects.”
Building upon OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Midjourney platforms, Ubisoft’s strategic collaboration with Nvidia underscores its commitment to creating more responsive and articulate characters using advanced generative AI technology. The convergence of creativity, player engagement, and technological innovation marks a new era in game development and player experiences.
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