Ubisoft recently introduced an innovative prototype game called Teammates, which incorporates AI companions that interpret both spoken instructions and visual surroundings in natural speech. This initiative expands upon the Neo NPCs demonstrated alongside Nvidia earlier this year, showcasing adaptive in-game AI interactions with users. Notably, this version advances interaction depth and is currently undergoing limited testing with several hundred participants, according to Ubisoft.
Despite being labeled an exploratory playable research effort, Teammates follows core first-person shooter mechanics. Participants assume the role of a rebel operative in a grim futuristic setting, navigating a hostile facility to rescue five lost comrades, with effective command of AI entities essential for progress. The prototype includes three distinct AI figures: Jaspar, a knowledgeable aide versed in the game's backstory who can dynamically modify gameplay parameters; and Pablo and Sofia, tangible robotic allies in the virtual environment that follow player directives.
Video clips provided to Engadget illustrate how these AI entities process verbal orders while accounting for the user's perspective. For instance, when instructed to 'stand behind a barrel,' Sofia evaluated the player's line of sight before relocating suitably. During the ongoing restricted trials, Jaspar serves to introduce newcomers and explain fundamental mechanics. While the AI figures often come across as excessively talkative, Ubisoft is testing customizable trait options for Pablo and Sofia, such as the intriguing 'Bad Cat and Good Boy' preset, which alters their communication styles.
Rémi Labory, Ubisoft's Director of Data and AI, commented in the project reveal: 'Such innovations pave the way for tailored player journeys. Real-time adaptations to user cues represent a leap beyond conventional design methods. Moreover, we provide a comprehensive flow, guiding users from initial setup through to post-mission review, marking a novel approach.'
Ubisoft has previously integrated generative AI into various production stages. In 2023, they launched Ghostwriter, an AI system for creating initial dialogue scripts within games. The firm also acknowledged retaining AI-produced artwork for loading screens in the recently released Anno 117: Pax Romana.
The core tech behind Teammates holds potential for integration into upcoming Ubisoft titles. Developers are gathering player insights from the trials to inform further advancements, and the company notes that the supporting framework is compatible with its Snowdrop and Anvil engines, making it accessible for broader application in forthcoming productions.