A leaked internal video reveals Sony's exploration of AI-powered PlayStation characters. The Verge reported on a video, allegedly from PlayStation Studios' advanced technology group, showcasing Aloy from the *Horizon* games as an AI character. The video's removal from YouTube following a copyright claim from Muso (a company listing Sony Interactive Entertainment as a client) suggests its authenticity. IGN has reached out to Sony for comment.

The video, as reported by The Verge, features Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, conversing with an AI-powered Aloy. The technology utilizes OpenAI's Whisper for speech-to-text, GPT-4 and Llama 3 for dialogue and decision-making, Sony's Emotional Voice Synthesis (EVS) for speech, and Sony's Mockingbird for facial animation.

The conversation demonstrates Aloy's AI capabilities, with responses like, "Hello, I'm managing alright. Just dealing with a sore throat. How have you been?" Importantly, the voice is not that of Ashly Burch, Aloy's voice actress in the games, but a robotic text-to-speech voice. Aloy's facial animations are described as stiff and lifeless. When asked about her search for her mother, the AI Aloy responds with plot points from the game, such as discovering she's a clone of Dr. Elizabeth Sobeck.

The demo transitions into the *Horizon Forbidden West* game world, continuing the conversation while Raghoebardajal plays. The juxtaposition of conversing with a character the player controls is noted, along with the irony of using Aloy given the *Horizon* storyline. The demo is described as a prototype developed with Guerrilla Games, showcasing the potential of the technology. While Sony hasn't confirmed plans to incorporate this into public products, the video demonstrates their investment in AI.

Sony's exploration isn't surprising, given competitors' work in AI game technology. Microsoft's commitment to AI, including their Muse AI for game design ideation, is highlighted. The use of generative AI in gaming faces criticism regarding ethical and rights issues, and its ability to consistently produce enjoyable content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment using entirely AI-generated game content underscores these challenges. EA and Capcom have also expressed interest in and experimentation with generative AI for game development.

Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions and head of product at PlayStation Studios, highlighted the importance of AI in gaming for Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers, emphasizing the desire for personalized experiences and meaningful interactions with non-player characters. Activision's recent admission of using generative AI for some *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* assets, amidst a backlash, further exemplifies the industry's evolving relationship with AI.

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