Ubisoft Unveils Revolutionary NEO NPC AI Prototypes at GDC 2024

Ubisoft has unveiled a groundbreaking AI project, dubbed NEO NPCs, which combines artificial intelligence with narrative backstory and emotional depth to create more realistic and engaging non-player characters. The project, led by Ubisoft's Paris team in collaboration with the Production Technology department, aims to redefine the way NPCs interact with players. Three experiments were conducted, all utilizing voice commands, to test the capabilities of NEO NPCs. The first experiment, 'Bloom,' allowed players to build a relationship with an NPC, exploring their backstory and emotions. The second experiment featured Bloom reacting to a stealth mission, while the third involved planning a mission with an NPC named Iron. According to Xavier Manzanares, director of the project, the goal is to create 'meaningful interactions' between players and NPCs, moving beyond simple chatbot-like conversations. The team has focused on developing awareness, natural language, and emotional depth in the NPCs, aiming to create a more immersive gaming experience. Narrative director Virginie Mosser noted that working on the psychology of NEO NPCs has added depth to her creative work, allowing her to give characters a 'soul.' Manzanares believes that this technology could be the start of a 'fantastic paradigm shift' in game development, enabling the creation of more immersive worlds and emergent stories.