Ubisoft Unveils Revolutionary NEO NPC AI Prototypes at GDC 2024

Ubisoft recently showcased three innovative demos at the Game Developers Conference, highlighting the potential of AI in crafting more realistic and engaging non-player characters (NPCs). Dubbed NEO NPCs, this project combines artificial intelligence responses with rich narrative backstories and prompts, aiming to create more lifelike interactions. Led by Ubisoft's Paris team in collaboration with the Production Technology department, the initiative focuses on developing NPCs that can understand and respond to player emotions, fostering a deeper sense of immersion. The three experiments, all utilizing voice commands, allowed players to build relationships with NPCs, explore their backstories, and engage in dynamic conversations. According to Xavier Manzanares, the project's director, the goal is to create meaningful interactions between players and NPCs, moving beyond mere chatbot-like conversations. By incorporating values such as awareness, natural language, and emotions, the team aims to push the boundaries of NPC development. As Manzanares noted, 'GenAI is a tool, it's a tech, it doesn't create games. It has to be connected to design and it has to be connected to a team that wants to push something.' The project's narrative director, Virginie Mosser, shared her experience working on the NPCs' psychology, stating that giving them a 'soul' has been a fulfilling and touching moment in her career. With the potential to revolutionize the gaming industry, Ubisoft's NEO NPCs could mark the beginning of a new era in game development, enabling the creation of more immersive worlds and emergent stories.