Microsoft has partnered with Inworld AI to create Xbox tools that allow developers to create AI-powered characters, stories, and quests. The multi-year partnership includes an “AI Design Co-Pilot” system that Xbox developers can use to create detailed scripts, dialogue trees, quest lines, and more.
“At Xbox, we believe that with better tools, creators can make even better games,” explains Haiyan Zhang, General Manager of Game AI at Xbox. “This partnership brings together Inworld’s expertise in generative AI models for character development, Microsoft’s cutting-edge cloud-based AI solutions including Azure OpenAI Service, Microsoft Research’s technical insights into the future of play, and a revolution in accessibility. We’re bringing together the strengths of Team Xbox to bring Responsible Creator tools to every developer. ”
The multiplatform AI toolset includes an AI design co-pilot for scripting and dialogue, and an AI character engine that can be integrated into games and used to dynamically generate stories, quests, and dialogue.
Inworld has been working on developing AI NPCs that respond to questions from players, similar to how ChatGPT and Bing Chat respond to natural language queries. These AI NPCs can respond with their own voices and can include complex dialogue trees and personalized dynamic storylines in your game. Inworld’s technology can also be used for narration, allowing companions in top-down RPGs to warn groups of enemies or players ahead.
“AI has long been an integral part of game development, with applications ranging from enemy AI to procedural generation,” said Ilya Gelfenbeyn, CEO of Inworld AI. “The advent of large-scale language models and generative AI has opened up new opportunities for in-game storytelling and character engagement.”
Microsoft is only offering this as an optional tool for game developers, so it’s up to game developers to decide the level of AI generated in future titles. Final game Developer Embark Studios recently had to defend its use of AI-generated voices, insisting that “creating games without actors is not the end goal.” Statement to IGN.
The use of generative AI in creative fields such as game design and voice acting has been controversial, with the SAG-AFTRA actors union recently voting to approve strike authorization for video game performers. “Between the exploitative use of AI and delayed wages, people working in video games face many of the same problems as those working in film and television,” said Ray Rodriguez, chief contracting officer at SAG-AFTRA. ”
Microsoft is positioning its tools as a helper in the same way it positioned the Copilot system for Microsoft 365 and Windows. “We want to help developers realize their vision, try new things, push the boundaries of today’s games, and make it easier to experiment to improve gameplay, player connectivity, and more. “I’m thinking about it,” Zhang said. “We will continue to innovate in collaboration with game creators within Xbox Studios and third-party studios to develop tools that meet their needs and bring new possibilities to future games. .”