A leaked internal video reveals Sony's exploration of AI-powered PlayStation characters. The Verge reported on a video, allegedly from PlayStation Studios' advanced technology group, showcasing AI-driven Aloy from the *Horizon* games. The video's subsequent removal from YouTube following a copyright claim from Muso (a company listing Sony Interactive Entertainment as a client) suggests its authenticity. IGN has reached out to Sony for comment.
The video, as detailed by The Verge, features Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, conversing with an AI-powered Aloy. The technology utilizes OpenAI's Whisper for speech-to-text, GPT-4 and Llama 3 for dialogue and decision-making, Sony's Emotional Voice Synthesis (EVS) for speech, and Sony's Mockingbird technology for facial animation.
The conversation, while technically impressive, reveals limitations. Aloy's voice, unlike voice actor Ashly Burch's, is robotic. Her facial animations are stiff, lacking the expressiveness of her in-game counterpart. Despite these limitations, the AI responds contextually to Raghoebardajal's prompts, even referencing Aloy's backstory from *Horizon Forbidden West*.
The demo seamlessly transitions into the *Horizon Forbidden West* game world, allowing Raghoebardajal to continue the conversation within the game environment. This creates a somewhat jarring experience, highlighting the irony of using Aloy, whose story revolves around complex themes of identity and origins, as a demonstration of AI character technology.
The prototype, developed with Guerrilla Games, serves as an internal demonstration of Sony's AI capabilities. While promising, Sony has yet to confirm plans to integrate this technology into consumer products. The feasibility of implementing this in current PS5 games remains unclear.
Sony's exploration isn't surprising, given the industry-wide interest in AI. Microsoft's commitment to AI, including its Muse AI for game design ideation, exemplifies this trend. However, generative AI faces criticism regarding ethical concerns, rights issues, and its ability to consistently produce high-quality, enjoyable content. Keywords Studios' failed attempt at an entirely AI-generated game underscores these challenges.
Despite these challenges, major players like EA (which considers AI "the very core" of its business) and Capcom (experimenting with AI for environment creation) are actively investing in this technology. Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions and head of product at PlayStation Studios, highlights the importance of AI-driven personalization for younger gamers (Gen Z and Gen Alpha) who seek personalized experiences.
Activision's recent admission of using generative AI for some *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* assets, amidst criticism of AI-generated content, further illustrates the complex landscape of AI in game development.
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