Microsoft Secures Patent to Revolutionize Yarn Experiences Using Generative AI

Windows Central has revealed a 2024 patent from Microsoft regarding the application of generative AI to “assist in the development of the game narrative.”

The patent, which was submitted last June, broadly outlines the use of this technology or other foundational models to “generate new game content based on player input, evaluate player engagement metrics throughout gameplay, and/or modify the game in response to the created new content and/or player engagement.”

In more specific terms, the document compares generative AI components to “co-pilots” for game developers, who could utilize natural-language descriptions (or images and audio files) to “offer multiple creative options” to the creators. Subsequently, a game designer would “enhance or revise the prompt depending on the model’s output…to iteratively develop the game, or its preliminary version.”

In November 2023, Microsoft established a partnership with AI developer Inworld to create a cross-platform AI toolkit and character runtime engine. Related to its various in-house teams, the latter was proposed with the potential of generating experiences, quests, and dialogues, which would be vital elements for narrative-focused studios and their projects.

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The patent’s narrative also mentions how generative AI might allow players to become “co-creators of the game…through their exploration of and interactions with it.” It suggests that generative AI could employ player tracking as a means of “implicit feedback for the next game iteration.” Consequently, players might diverge from the developers’ structured gaming experience and “discover new potentials” that could then be integrated into future versions.

Similar discussions surrounding generative AI’s influence on video games, particularly on gamers, have been made by executives at Netflix Games and EA. Major publishers have started to adopt the technology for various applications, such as in-game moderation, AI companions, and crafting models of real-world individuals.

Meanwhile, a study conducted in August revealed that developers still harbor doubts about it. Among those surveyed, 30 percent believe it will help reduce expenses, while 35 percent fear it might similarly lead to decreased quality in games. Furthermore, a separate January 2024 survey indicated that 31 percent of developers have begun using generative AI outside of work.

Similar to the recent wave of patents unveiled by Sony, Microsoft’s patent does not explicitly suggest it has plans for generative AI in its future Xbox games. However, it does provide insight into how the company believes it could benefit its developers and player community as it determines its course of action with the technology.

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