Microsoft is an enormous believer in synthetic intelligence, and now it is come to gentle that the corporate is making an AI-powered chatbot for Xbox, but it surely’s solely a prototype for now.
A spokesperson for Microsoft informed The Verge that Microsoft is testing what’s referred to as an “Xbox Help Digital Agent.” This chatbot, which is barely a prototype for now, options an animated character who can reply Xbox-related questions with voice or textual content.
“The prototype makes it simpler and faster for gamers to get assist with assist matters utilizing pure language, taking info from present Xbox Help pages,” Microsoft mentioned.
The Verge additional reported that this Xbox AI chatbot is a part of a “bigger effort” at Microsoft to place AI into the Xbox platform and providers. That is no shock in any respect, given Microsoft has already mentioned publicly it can put AI into each product it creates, together with Xbox.
Amongst different issues, the Xbox AI chatbot can course of sport refunds and reply support-related Xbox questions, The Verge reported. The chatbot asks gamers, “How can I aid you right now,” and is able to answering questions associated to Xbox points, subscriptions, and assist.
The Verge’s sources added that the Xbox AI chatbot is just the start for the way Microsoft might make the most of AI for Xbox. The positioning reported that unspecified “AI options” might help in “sport content material creation, sport operations, and its Xbox platform and gadgets.” This might embody AI-generated artwork and property for video games. It may be used for sport testing and “generative AI” NPCs. Microsoft beforehand introduced a take care of Inworld to make video games utilizing AI.
Xbox’s AI efforts might additionally assist with content material moderation, the positioning reported. Moreover, Xbox may develop an AI-powered “assistant” that might provide assist to avid gamers as they play in the event that they need assistance getting via a selected a part of a sport.
Microsoft beforehand invested a reported $10 billion into OpenAI to assist gasoline its future AI ambitions. For Xbox particularly, CFO Tim Stuart not too long ago mentioned why he is so enthusiastic about AI.
“I’ve by no means been extra excited for a know-how shift within the gaming panorama,” he mentioned. “The final one we did was after we went from discs on consoles to let’s name it on-line video games and games-as-a-service; issues like Fortnite and Minecraft, which actually modified the panorama of how individuals play. Cell video games being one other one. I believe AI is a kind of inflection factors for us.”
Stuart didn’t utter a phrase about how AI may affect or displace builders, although, which is a key concern for a lot of. EA CEO Andrew Wilson not too long ago spoke enthusiastically in regards to the potential for AI to play a serious function on this planet of video video games going ahead, whereas additionally admitting that some jobs is perhaps misplaced or displaced.
Earlier than this, Xbox higher-ups together with Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond spoke positively in regards to the prospects for AI and likewise didn’t talk about issues about job losses.