It seems like almost every other app and software is getting its own AI features and chatbots these days and Microsoft’s Xbox console may be next in line for it. According to a report from The Verge, Microsoft is testing an AI chatbot for Xbox that will help players with support questions.
In a novel approach to customer interaction, the Xbox chatbot is said to feature a dynamic, animated character designed to engage with users by responding to their questions and commands. This tool aims to enhance the user experience by sourcing information directly from the official Xbox support website, enabling timely advice on their queries. Additionally, it is equipped with the functionality to process refunds.
The report adds that Xbox is calling this AI chatbot the ‘Xbox Support Virtual Agent’ internally. Similar to rival chatbots on the market including OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the Xbox chatbot will greet users with “How can I help today?”, prompting users to start a conversation. Users will then be able to respond with text or voice.
Xbox’s general manager of gaming AI, Haiyan Zhang, told The Verge: “We are testing an Xbox Support Virtual Agent, an internal prototype of an animated character that can query Xbox Support topics with voice or text. The prototype makes it easier and quicker for players to get help with support topics using natural language, taking information from existing Xbox Support pages.”
This isn’t the first time Microsoft is bringing AI to its gaming wing. Back in 2023, the software giant introduced AI tools to help developers create story, dialogue, and quest designs for games faster than before. This was made possible via a partnership with Inworld AI.
Similarly, the popular French video game publisher Ubisoft introduced a generative AI tool called Neo NPCs facial expressions, dialogue and conversations with players to create characters. However, Neo NPCs still has a long way to go as it was only able to generate uncanny expressions and awkwardly stilted dialogue on characters and it was heavily mocked on the internet for it.
Nvidia is also using AI to help bring older titles back to life with modern technology using RTX Remix.
