Microsoft is testing an artificial intelligence chatbot for Xbox that can help players with various support queries. This is how AI would go beyond video games, taking care of the non-playable part.
According to The Verge, the chatbot will be a visible character that will animate in response to the player’s questions and commands. It should be able to respond to queries with relevant advice and even process refunds if the player wishes.
Internally, it is known as Xbox Virtual Support Agent and, like many other chatbots we see on the Internet, it will start a conversation by asking the players: “How can I assist you today?” They can respond either with their voice or through text.
Haiyan Zhang, Xbox Games AI Director, has stated to The Verge: “We are testing a Virtual Xbox Support Agent, an internal prototype of an animated character that can address Xbox Support topics with voice or text.”
“The prototype makes it easier and faster for players to get help on support topics using natural language, taking information from existing Xbox Support pages.”
Microsoft wants to bet everything on AI
This virtual chatbot with AI is not the first time we hear about Microsoft Gaming’s efforts to bring artificial intelligence to their Xbox platforms.
Last year, it was reported that the company had partnered with Inworld AI to develop a set of artificial intelligence tools that would help developers design stories, dialogues, and missions.
Beyond this, the video game industry in general is currently in the process of finding ways for AI to simplify various development paths. Recently, Ubisoft presented Neo NPCs, a generative AI tool for creating characters, facial expressions, dialogues, and conversations with players.
The tool was the subject of numerous jokes on the Internet due to the strange expressions of the generated characters and the clumsily convoluted dialogues.
