A leaked internal video indicates Sony is testing AI-driven NPC interactions featuring Horizon protagonist Aloy.
Sony's AI Experimentation Revealed
The Verge reported on footage from PlayStation Studios' R&D division demonstrating artificial intelligence capabilities through Horizon's heroine.
The quickly removed video reportedly showed Sony engineers conducting natural conversations with an AI version of Aloy capable of real-time responses.
The Technology Behind the Demo
Sony's prototype combines:
- OpenAI's Whisper for speech recognition
- GPT-4 and Llama 3 for conversational responses
- Sony's EVS system for voice synthesis
- Mockingbird technology for facial animation
The demo reveals limitations - Aloy's synthetic voice lacks Ashly Burch's emotional range, and facial animations appear rigid.
Industry-Wide AI Integration Trend
Sony joins competitors like Microsoft exploring AI applications:
- Microsoft developing Muse AI for game design
- EA calling AI "core" to development
- Capcom experimenting with generative AI
PlayStation Productions head Asad Qizilbash notes AI-driven personalization appeals particularly to younger gamers expecting dynamic experiences.
The Prototype's Purpose
Developed with Guerrilla Games, this proof-of-concept demonstrates:
- Potential for deeper NPC interactions
- New dialogue systems possibilities
- Emerging character relationship mechanics
Sony emphasizes this remains strictly internal research with no announced implementations.
The Broader AI Debate
While promising possibilities exist:
- Keywords Studios' AI-only game failed commercially
- Players criticize ethical implications
- Creative limitations remain significant
The industry continues balancing innovation with quality expectations.
