Ubisoft Launches Playable Experiment with Generative AI

Ubisoft Reveals ‘Teammates’: The Future of NPC Interaction

Unveiling a New Era in Gaming

French publisher Ubisoft has stepped into the future of gaming with the introduction of an R&D experiment dubbed ‘Teammates.’ This innovative project leverages cutting-edge generative AI technology to transform traditional non-playable characters (NPCs) into what Ubisoft refers to as "living companions." During a recent closed-door briefing at their Paris studio, Ubisoft showcased how this venture exemplifies their vision for "pioneering the future of generative play."

The Evolution of NPCs

In an era where AI continues to permeate various industries, Ubisoft is accelerating its research and development in player-facing generative AI. The company has notably already utilized this technology for its Neo NPCs, characters designed to be interactive rather than scripted programs, in collaboration with Nvidia. Ubisoft debuted its Neo NPCs prototype in March 2024, highlighting the ambitious leap they are now taking with the latest advancement.

Enhancing Interactivity with AI

In contrast to earlier prototypes, which featured Neo NPCs with impressive cognitive and language capabilities but limited interaction in a static environment, Teammates brings NPCs into active gameplay scenarios. Set in a first-person shooter universe, the NPCs are now endowed with advanced AI functionalities that enable them to respond in real-time to voice commands and adapt their behavior based on the player’s actions and the game environment. This adaptability allows NPCs to exhibit unique personalities, significantly enriching the gaming experience.

Responsive Gameplay Dynamics

According to the developers, Teammates boasts an array of dynamic capabilities. NPCs can engage with players naturally through voice, adapting to strategies and moods, and even picking up on individual slang. This creates an unprecedented level of responsiveness, whereby NPCs interpret player intent and environmental signals to produce fluid, context-sensitive interactions that deepen immersion and elevate player agency.

The Tech Behind the Magic

A dedicated team of 80 Ubisoft employees developed Teammates, showcasing the company’s commitment to generative AI. The project employs Google Gemini alongside Ubisoft’s proprietary middleware, running on their highly regarded Snowdrop game engine, which powers numerous AAA titles. This technological framework is intended to create a seamless integration of generative AI into gameplay.

A Vision for Meaningful Experiences

In a statement during the press event, Ubisoft’s director of generative AI gameplay, Xavier Manzanares, articulated a passionate vision to move beyond buzzwords associated with AI. The goal is to craft experiences that resonate with players emotionally. Manzanares views Teammates as a proof of concept, demonstrating the potential of generative AI to reshape player interactions and elevate the gaming experience. The project introduced a new in-game companion, Jaspar, who acts like a witty personal assistant capable of engaging in conversation and assisting players in navigating challenges.

Enhancing Accessibility and Personalization

Jaspar is designed to be familiar with player preferences and can adapt to individual user needs. Beyond guiding players through the game’s lore and objectives, Jaspar has the ability to manage HUD elements, adjust color schemes for color blindness, and customize visual settings for improved accessibility. These features illustrate Ubisoft’s commitment to personalization within gameplay experiences.

Voice-Activated Commands and Team Dynamics

Hands-on experiences with Teammates showcased how effective voice commands could be in managing NPC actions. Players can seamlessly direct allies like Pablo and Sophia to engage in combat or solve puzzles without needing to provide complex instructions. For instance, a player can straightforwardly instruct Pablo to "stand on the plate on the left," showcasing the nuances of context-driven AI capabilities. Jaspar contributes to the experience by engaging players in lighthearted dialogue, further enhancing the camaraderie with AI companions.

Exploring AI’s Full Potential

"The goal of Teammates wasn’t merely to create a video game or demo," Manzanares noted—it was about constructing an experience that players could truly feel. By capturing the essence of interactive gameplay through voice commands, players have the opportunity to feel a greater connection to the game world, embodying the role of a leader or tactician. This exploration of new gameplay mechanics is part of an overarching desire to determine if voice interactions provide a more meaningful experience compared to traditional controllers.

Future Aspirations and Industry Impact

Manzanares acknowledged that the current iteration of Teammates is still "rough around the edges," but it serves as a foundational exploration into how interactive gameplay can evolve. Comments from Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, reinforce this ambitious pursuit, as he suggests that generative AI could usher in a paradigm shift comparable to the evolution from 2D to 3D gaming. Guillmot emphasized that the company is focusing on "high-value use cases" for generative AI, highlighting their commitment to enhancing player experiences.

Conclusion

Ubisoft’s Teammates project is a pioneering venture that taps into the vast potential of generative AI to revolutionize the way players interact with NPCs. Through innovative use of AI technology, it envisions a future where gaming experiences become more immersive, personalized, and responsive to player choices. The implications of these advancements extend beyond mere gameplay, offering a glimpse into the evolving relationship between players and the digital world they navigate.