Unlocking Gaming Potential: Microsoft’s AI-Driven Copilot Tool Set to Enhance Xbox Experience
Copilot, Microsoft’s artificial intelligence tool, is likely reaching Xbox and PC games soon. The tool, which was first introduced in 2024, aims to “assist players in managing their time, discover new games you’re probably to enjoy, or even help ease you back into a game you may have set aside.” Participants in the Xbox Insiders program will trial the feature in April before its eventual broader rollout.
When its gaming functionalities were finally showcased at last year’s Microsoft Surface and AI event, Copilot was utilized in Minecraft to identify components to craft in-game items, such as a sword. The in-game assistance tool will serve as a guide players can refer to if they encounter challenges or seek a fresh game suggestion.
“It is designed to support players in multiple ways,” states the Xbox blog. Fatima Kardar, the company VP of gaming AI, noted that the player will always be “in control” of the tool, allowing them to “decide how and when to engage with the Copilot, ensuring that it enhances rather than interrupts the gaming experience.”
“It’s not merely about AI stepping in to assist you; it’s about AI appearing at the right moment,” she continued. “We really need to consider the experience we’ve crafted; it cannot be intrusive.”
Xbox and Microsoft are fully committed to genAI
Copilot for Gaming is part of Microsoft’s continuous effort to integrate generative AI into gaming. For gamers, this also now includes an AI-powered chatbot (or “Virtual Support Agent”) aimed at customer support.
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From a developer’s perspective, the latest example is the previously reported Muse AI tool, which Xbox believes will assist with game preservation efforts in some capacity. Prior to that, it made its interest in genAI known in late 2023 by collaborating with Inworld, an AI company focused on developing tools for game narrative and design.
Xbox divisions are also adopting generative AI, notably Activision Blizzard. The publisher recently acknowledged utilizing this technology to generate in-game assets for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and employed it to create advertisements for non-existent games to assess if certain franchises should be revitalized.
About the Author
Contributing Editor, GameDeveloper.com
A Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has contributed to several publications including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his work can also be found on io9 at Gizmodo. Don’t ask him about how much gum he’s had, as the answer may be more than he’s willing to disclose.