Leaked Internal Sony Video Uses Horizon's Aloy to Show AI-Powered PlayStation Character Prototype

A leaked internal video reveals Sony's exploration of AI-powered PlayStation characters. The Verge reported on a PlayStation Studios' advanced technology group video showcasing AI-powered Aloy from the *Horizon* games. The video, subsequently removed from YouTube due to a copyright claim from Muso (a company listing Sony Interactive Entertainment as a client), features Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, conversing with an AI Aloy.

The AI utilizes OpenAI's Whisper for speech-to-text, GPT-4 and Llama 3 for dialogue and decision-making, Sony's Emotional Voice Synthesis (EVS) for speech, and Sony's Mockingbird technology for facial animation. While the conversation demonstrates impressive technical capabilities, the AI Aloy's robotic voice (distinct from Ashly Burch's portrayal) and stiff facial animations are noticeable. The demo includes a segment within the *Horizon Forbidden West* game world, highlighting the potential for interactive AI characters.

The prototype, developed with Guerrilla Games, showcases Sony's investment in AI technology. However, Sony hasn't confirmed plans for public integration, and its feasibility within current PS5 games remains unclear. This development aligns with industry trends, as competitors like Microsoft (with its Muse AI) are also heavily investing in AI for game development.

Generative AI's role in gaming is a complex issue. While offering potential for personalization and enhanced player interaction, as highlighted by Asad Qizilbash (Head of PlayStation Productions and Head of Product at PlayStation Studios), it also faces ethical and rights concerns, and struggles to consistently produce high-quality content, as evidenced by Keywords Studios' failed AI-driven game experiment. Companies like EA and Capcom are also experimenting with generative AI, though challenges remain.

Activision's recent admission of using generative AI for some *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* assets, amidst criticism of AI-generated content, further underscores the ongoing debate surrounding AI's role in game development.

What's The Best PlayStation 5 Game?

Pick a winner