AI in gaming

Winsage
April 11, 2025
Leo, Richard, and Paul discussed Microsoft's recent innovations, including the Windows 11 Feature Tracker, insights from Microsoft Build, advancements in consumer AI, and updates from the gaming sector, particularly Xbox. A new free newsletter offers three time-saving tips every Friday, and subscribers receive complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott's Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides. The Windows 11 Feature Tracker aims to be a comprehensive resource and may evolve into a web app or wiki. The Windows Insider Program's Beta build for 23H2 introduces changes to file new tabs and new windows, while a nostalgic taskbar icon scaling feature is returning in the Dev and Beta (24H2) versions. Intel has discontinued its Unison app and service. The Build session catalog emphasizes AI developments, with sessions covering Windows Copilot Runtime and productivity enhancements. Microsoft unveiled new Copilot features at a consumer AI event, including web actions and memory personalization, and integrated Copilot Search into Bing. Concerns about AI's impact on human intelligence were discussed, particularly in relation to a Twitter debate on Microsoft's AI demo of Quake II. Microsoft announced an Xbox Games Showcase for June, with updates to the Edge Game Assist feature and GTA V available on Game Pass starting April 15. The Nintendo Switch 2 will support ray tracing and DLSS, though its release is delayed due to tariff challenges. Apple Music for Windows now supports Dolby Atmos, and notable software includes Notion, Typora/iA Writer, and Proton Pass. This week's RunAs Radio episode focuses on Application Risk in Security Copilot. The Heart Cut #02 from the East London Liquor Company is recommended for a unique tasting experience.
AppWizard
March 26, 2025
Lead game designer Matt Kohl clarified that the AI-generated animation in the trailer for Ark: Aquatica was created by the marketing department, not the development team, which did not use AI in the game's development. The trailer, unveiled at the Game Developers Conference, received significant criticism from fans, prompting Studio Wildcard to issue a statement distancing itself from the project.
AppWizard
March 14, 2025
Microsoft is introducing its Copilot generative AI chatbot to Xbox, initially available in beta for Xbox Insiders on mobile devices, with plans for console and PC integration. The AI assistant will provide players with tips, reminders of previous gaming sessions, and personalized game recommendations. Fatima Kardar, corporate VP of gaming AI, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the gaming experience and encourages user feedback during the rollout. Demonstrations show Copilot assisting players with game reinstallation, providing strategies, suggesting character alternatives, and guiding newcomers in games like Minecraft. Players can opt out of using the AI if desired. Microsoft plans to collaborate with game studios to ensure the accuracy of the information provided by Copilot. Phil Spencer envisions leveraging generative AI to enhance gameplay and preserve games tied to unique hardware.
AppWizard
February 24, 2025
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella discussed the transformative potential of generative AI for gaming on the Dwarkesh Podcast, highlighting the company's Muse generative AI model. This model is designed to create intricate game visuals and facilitate controller actions. Nadella emphasized its ability to use gameplay data to produce games that are consistent yet diverse, allowing for user modifications to enhance player engagement. He anticipates the upcoming release of a catalog of games utilizing this technology. Nadella described a demonstration where the Muse model generated outputs based on controller inputs, marking a significant moment in gaming similar to the introduction of ChatGPT and DALL-E.
AppWizard
February 20, 2025
Microsoft announced its latest generative AI model, Muse, developed in collaboration with Microsoft Research and Ninja Theory. Muse is described as a "world and human action model (WHAM)" trained on Ninja Theory's Bleeding Edge. Microsoft aims to enhance the gaming experience by using AI to enrich player engagement and support game developers' creative processes. The company emphasizes that AI is intended to empower human creativity rather than replace it. A report in Nature provides insights into Muse's technical aspects, highlighting the importance of human agency in the creative process and identifying key capabilities for AI development. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella envisions AI's capabilities extending to interactive environments like video games. However, some experts, like Dr. Michael Cook, caution against overhyping Muse, noting that the research focuses more on human interaction with AI tools than on generating gameplay. Despite reservations, Cook acknowledges AI's potential as a design tool. Microsoft has promised further announcements on how AI will enhance experiences for game creators and players. Muse will debut in Copilot Labs, signaling new immersive AI gaming experiences.
AppWizard
November 17, 2024
A new online game titled Oasis has emerged, utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to generate every frame, creating a unique experience similar to Minecraft. Players explore a 3D world made of square blocks, mining resources and crafting items, with the environment evolving in real-time based on their actions. The game allows for customization by enabling players to upload their own images for personalized scenes. The game engine has been trained on millions of gameplay hours, replicating actions like moving and breaking blocks. Players may encounter peculiarities such as unexpected items in their inventory and a landscape that warps when not directly observed. The developers view Oasis as an exploration of AI's potential in gaming, with aspirations for AI-generated content to adapt to user preferences in real-time. Oasis is currently available for play, though players may need to join a queue.
AppWizard
November 14, 2024
Xbox's latest AI transparency report for the first half of 2024 highlights significant advancements in moderation techniques that combine artificial intelligence with human oversight. During this period, Xbox blocked over 19 million pieces of content violating its Community Standards. The moderation system employs a dual AI approach for rapid identification and classification of inappropriate messages. Xbox is also implementing advanced moderation tools in games like Minecraft and Call of Duty to reduce toxic behavior. A new 'strike system' has been introduced, where players accumulate strikes for rule violations, with escalating consequences for repeated offenses. Severe violations can lead to immediate permanent suspensions or device bans. The report emphasizes the positive role of AI in enhancing player safety and reducing the burden on human moderators.
AppWizard
November 3, 2024
Oasis is an AI-generated game developed by the hardware startup Etched, in collaboration with AI developer Decart. It allows players to create and modify virtual environments in real time and is inspired by the sci-fi narrative “Ready Player One.” The demo was showcased on Twitter, and it operates on Nvidia’s H100 Tensor Core GPUs, with plans for Etched's own chipset, Sohu, which will offer faster performance. The project is currently free and serves as a research and proof-of-concept initiative. Interest in the demo has surged, overwhelming the hosting site. The technology behind Oasis relies on AI to produce graphics in real time without a traditional game engine.
AppWizard
November 1, 2024
Decart has unveiled Oasis, which it claims to be "the world's first real-time AI world model." The company envisions a future where foundation models integrate with entertainment platforms to generate content in real time based on user preferences. Current demonstrations of Oasis resemble a prototype version of Minecraft, lacking the polish of the original game. The technology was developed using Nvidia H100 graphics cards but struggles to perform at 360p and 20 frames per second. Future iterations may utilize Etched ASICs for improved performance up to 4K resolution. Additionally, AI-powered Frame Generation could enhance gaming performance on standard hardware. The author attempted to access the Oasis platform but was unable to load the site.
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