A leaked internal video reveals Sony's experimentation with 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 described 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 demonstrates the AI's capabilities, with Aloy exhibiting a robotic voice distinct from Ashly Burch's portrayal in the games. Her facial animations are stiff, and her responses, while coherent, lack the nuanced expressiveness of a human character. The demo includes a segment transitioning to the *Horizon Forbidden West* game world, where Raghoebardajal continues the conversation while playing, highlighting the potential and the somewhat jarring nature of interacting with a controlled character in this way. The irony of using Aloy, given the *Horizon* storyline, is not lost.
The demo, a prototype developed with Guerrilla Games, aims to showcase the technology's potential. While Sony hasn't confirmed plans to integrate this AI into public products, the video indicates investment in AI-powered characters. This isn't surprising, given competitors' similar AI initiatives, including Microsoft's AI-powered game design tool, Muse.
Generative AI's role in gaming is a hot topic, amidst recent industry layoffs. It faces criticism regarding ethical concerns, rights issues, and its current limitations in producing consistently enjoyable content. Keywords Studios' failed attempt to create an entirely AI-driven game underscores these challenges. Despite this, companies like EA and Capcom are actively exploring generative AI for various game development aspects.
Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions and head of product at PlayStation Studios, highlighted the importance of AI in gaming for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, emphasizing personalization and meaningful experiences. Activision's recent admission of using generative AI for some *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* assets, following a backlash over an AI-generated loading screen, further illustrates the complex landscape of AI in game development.
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