Sony Develops Prototype AI Aloy Chatbot, Quickly Removes Leaked Demonstration Video

A recent leak has surfaced, showcasing an internal prototype from Sony that introduces an AI-driven NPC, featuring Aloy from the Horizon series. This intriguing footage reveals Aloy reacting to questions during both a demo session and actual gameplay. The video, originally shared on YouTube, was quickly removed by Muso, a copyright firm employed by PlayStation and other big companies.

While the actual video is no longer accessible, The Verge covered the story after receiving the footage from an anonymous source. They even recreated an animation to illustrate Aloy interacting, although the technical explanations and commentary from Sony’s director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, were omitted. Still, if you dig around, you might find alternative uploads making their rounds online.

In The Verge’s coverage, journalist Tom Warren describes how Aloy is shown conversing with a voice and facial expressions powered by AI, within a demo setting and during the full experience of Horizon Forbidden West. Raghoebardajal underscores that this is a prototype developed alongside Guerrilla Games, aimed at demonstrating this innovative technology internally at Sony.

Running on a PC, this technology utilizes OpenAI’s Whisper, GPT-4, and Llama 3 for generating AI-driven speech. It also incorporates Sony’s unique Emotional Voice Synthesis technology. This demonstration, reportedly presented internally last year, also made a limited appearance at the Sony Technology Exchange Fair in November.

Sony isn’t alone in delving into AI advancements. Companies like Nvidia, Ubisoft, and Microsoft are exploring similar tech, with Nvidia unveiling their AI NPC last year in 2024. These developments occurred during a significant surge in AI investment, globally.

Despite the enthusiasm, it’s crucial to note that Sony’s project remains a prototype, without any current plans for integration into commercial games like Horizon. It’s also notable that this prototype hasn’t been officially disclosed. AI skeptics, and I must admit I count myself among them, might suggest that some companies have hastily jumped on the AI bandwagon to capitalize on the booming investment climate. For Sony, however, it seems more about gaining experience and perhaps preparing for future opportunities in game development.

The discussion around AI in gaming and technology continues to be a hot topic, with many people questioning the true benefits and pondering the potential effects on employment should AI become a staple in video game production. Financially, the AI sector has its challenges, with prominent players like OpenAI grappling with substantial losses. Microsoft also hints at a waning confidence by canceling numerous leases on AI data centers.

So, what are your thoughts? Would interacting with Aloy be something you’re interested in? Share your thoughts below!