"Sony Unveils AI-Driven PlayStation Character Prototype with Horizon's Aloy"

Sony is delving into the realm of AI-powered PlayStation characters, as revealed by a leaked internal video from PlayStation Studios' advanced technology group. The video, which was initially shared and then removed from YouTube due to a copyright claim by Muso (a company representing Sony Interactive Entertainment), showcased an AI version of Aloy from the Horizon series. This demonstration involved Sharwin Raghoebardajal, Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, engaging in a conversation with the AI-powered Aloy.

The technology used in the demo included OpenAI’s Whisper for speech recognition, GPT-4 and Llama 3 for conversational AI, Sony’s Emotional Voice Synthesis (EVS) for speech synthesis, and Sony’s Mockingbird for facial animations. During the interaction, Aloy responded to queries about her well-being and her search for her mother, revealing her identity as a clone of Dr. Elizabeth Sobeck. The conversation transitioned into the Horizon Forbidden West game world, where Raghoebardajal continued to interact with Aloy while playing.

Despite the impressive tech, the AI Aloy's voice lacked the warmth of the original voice actor, Ashly Burch, and her facial animations were described as stiff. The demo, a collaboration with Horizon studio Guerrilla Games, was intended as an internal showcase of the potential of AI in gaming. Raghoebardajal emphasized that it was just a glimpse of what's possible, although Sony has not confirmed plans to integrate this technology into public PlayStation products yet.

Sony's exploration of AI aligns with industry trends, as competitors like Microsoft with its AI Muse for game design are also investing heavily in AI technology. The video game and entertainment industries, grappling with layoffs, are increasingly turning to generative AI despite facing criticism over ethical and rights issues, as well as challenges in creating content that resonates with audiences. Examples include Keywords Studios' failed AI-generated game and EA's statement about AI being central to its business. Capcom has also been experimenting with AI to generate ideas for in-game environments.

Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions and head of product at PlayStation Studios, highlighted the importance of AI in video games for younger generations like Gen Z and Gen Alpha, who crave personalized experiences. He suggested that AI could enable non-player characters to interact more personally with players, enhancing the gaming experience. Meanwhile, Activision's use of generative AI in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has sparked some controversy among fans.

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