AI is already being used by some companies in the production of video games, but now there’s an AI that may be able to help people play games. Google is currently testing AI that it says can process the information on screen in real-time and offer advice to players about how to proceed.
Google revealed this information while touting the benefits of its Gemini 2.0 AI model. AI agents created by Gemini 2.0 are using Supercell games like Clash of Clans and Hay Day to test the technology’s ability to learn and decipher the “rules and challenges across a diverse range of games.” The idea is that these agents can engage players in conversation with hints and strategies, in addition to using Google Search to look up any relevant info.
Setting aside the matter of whether this actually works, the real question is whether an AI game buddy is something that players really want or need. Adding AI in this fashion may be more distracting than helpful, especially if it breaks the narrative flow of a game. Additionally, the titles cited as test subjects are fairly simple compared to AAA console and computer games. Even if this new AI works as intended, it may be years away from being useful with more-complex titles.
Earlier this month, PlayStation boss Hermen Hulst shared his belief that AI can revolutionize game development, but he also stressed the importance of the human element. Amazon’s Christoph Hartmann of Amazon said that AI could replace “boring” parts of game development rather than the creative aspects. But so far, some of these projected AI capabilities appear to be theoretical until the technology significantly improves.