Ubisoft creates NPCs that operate with AI

Ubisoft reveal its latest artificial intelligence prototype, GenAI : the NEO NPCs, at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco. This advancement transforms how players interact with NPC, opening new avenues for gameplay integrating AI features.

Virginie Mosser, narrative director of the project, said about the work required to bring these characters to life: « My creative work is much deeper because I have to work on their psychology, give them a soul, with a finesse to which we had never dedicated so much time. »

“The world and the game are truly listening to players, responding to them in real-time. Interactions and social skills are becoming an integral part of the game.”

Xavier Manzanares, director and producer of the project – In a Ubisoft press release on the NEO NPC

In a GDC demonstration, Ubisoft showcased the potential of this generation of intelligent NPCs to provide immersion, new gameplay features, and storytelling opportunities. NEO NPCs are capable of recognizing players’ intentions, adapting emotionally, and reacting to discussions, leading to the unlocking of new story elements.

This innovation has the potential to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling from a creative standpoint. The overall game experience could be impacted by the interaction with more realistic NPC characters, which requires development teams to delve deeper into character psychology and more immersive experiences.

However, it’s vital to be aware of the ethical challenges posed by the incorporation of such advanced technologies. The video game industry could be impacted by the increasing automation in many sectors, which may result in questions about the dehumanization of jobs. It’s important to strike a balance between using these technologies to improve the player experience and protecting jobs and creativity in the game development process.

For now, we can easily assume that games equipped with this technology won’t arrive next year. It will take a few years; we are not immune to a game with some features here and there coming out soon, like Star Wars Outlaws, the next Ubisoft AAA title. But before we can fully enjoy the potential of this technology, patience will be required.