Microsoft is set to introduce its Copilot generative AI chatbot to Xbox, aiming to enhance the gaming experience with a new AI assistant tool. This feature will soon be available in beta form for Xbox Insiders on mobile devices, with plans to expand its integration to console and PC. The initiative is designed to provide players with helpful tips, reminders of their previous gaming sessions, and personalized recommendations for new titles. As stated in an announcement on Xbox Wire, the goal is to “save you time, [and] help you get good.”
Insights from Xbox Leadership
Fatima Kardar, corporate VP of gaming AI, emphasizes the importance of getting this feature right. In a recent episode of the Xbox podcast, she expressed her commitment to ensuring that the gaming experience remains intact. “We really don’t want to mess up the gaming experience,” Kardar noted. “So we have to be very cautious about it, which means we put things out there. We let people give us feedback, try it out, see what resonates, and build from that.” This iterative approach reflects a deep understanding of the expectations surrounding the Xbox brand, which Kardar acknowledges keeps her up at night.
Demonstrations of the Copilot feature reveal its potential. For instance, a player returning to Age of Empires 4 can request the AI to reinstall the game via the Xbox app. Once back in the game, Copilot reminds them of their last adventure: “You ventured out to take the fight to the Franks, but… let’s just say it didn’t go as planned.” When faced with a special siege tower, the AI offers to pull up a “quick strategy guide,” showcasing its ability to assist in real-time.
In another scenario, an Overwatch 2 player discovers that their preferred character, Echo, has already been selected. The AI promptly suggests Cassidy as a viable alternative, highlighting his mid-range capabilities and synergy with the team. After a challenging match, Copilot provides constructive feedback, noting, “You stayed in the fight too long after your teammates were down,” illustrating its role as both a guide and a coach.
For newcomers to Minecraft, the AI serves as a gentle mentor, guiding players through essential first steps such as gathering resources and crafting tools. In a playful twist, when a player seeks advice on finding ore, the AI initially refrains from answering due to cheats being disabled, prompting the player to adjust their settings before receiving guidance.
Balancing Assistance and Autonomy
Kardar assures users that the integration of Copilot will be unobtrusive. Players who prefer not to engage with the AI can opt out entirely. The dynamic nature of the AI’s responses to in-game activities is indeed impressive, yet questions remain regarding the sourcing of its information. Concerns about the accuracy and originality of the content it provides are prevalent, particularly in light of the broader criticisms surrounding generative AI.
“We have to really go back to the source,” Kardar explains. “There’s plenty of information on the Internet about games, [but] not all of that is accurate – or it was accurate and goes out of date.” To address this, Microsoft aims to collaborate with game studios and content creators to ensure the information provided by Copilot is reliable and beneficial for all parties involved.
As the beta launch approaches, the specifics of how the AI will source its guidance remain somewhat ambiguous. Nonetheless, the anticipation surrounding this innovative feature suggests that players will soon have the opportunity to explore the capabilities of AI in gaming. Phil Spencer has expressed a vision for leveraging generative AI not only for enhancing gameplay but also for preserving games tied to unique hardware, marking a significant step forward in the gaming landscape.
