Microsoft has been one of the more aggressive players in adapting artificial intelligence as an important tool in video gaming. Sharing efforts with idea and game-concept generation via the Muse development tool, Xbox continues this push by adapting the Copilot software into the Xbox ecosystem.
What is Xbox Copilot?
Xbox describes the software as an ultimate gaming sidekick. This means that the tech can coach new players, get them into the game faster, and actively ask AI mid-game how to tackle new situations.
They used Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition as the main example for these tools, with the player asking the AI how to approach some enemies. In addition, the player in the video also requested additional information, specifically about the historical significance of something. The AI then showed them a video of what they were asking about.
Other examples included Overwatch 2 and Minecraft, with the AI helping players pick their hero for the former and how to move forward in the latter.
The Minecraft example also highlighted how anti-cheating measures are considered when using this technology, as the AI tells the player to enable Cheats to get guidance on how to get somewhere and where specific crafting materials are.
Release Rollout for Xbox Copilot
Xbox plans to release these features in the Xbox Insider program, with mobile devices being the first platform. There isn’t a release window for Xbox consoles and PC’s.
Personal Thoughts on Xbox Copilot
For years, many gamers used tools like guides and YouTube walkthroughs to overcome problems. Speaking for myself, YouTube guides have come in handy for many RPG titles. The idea of playing Metaphor: ReFantazio and my Xbox telling me how to overcome issues in real time sounds awesome.
This could also extend to genres that offer difficult mechanics or require an investment to understand. Games like Age of Empires require players to invest in the experience to grasp everything they can offer. Xbox Copilot’s reveal using that title was a great choice.
Potential Concerns
While offering players the choice to make their adventure easier, developer intent is worth discussing. Many games and genres, such as the Souls-like, thrive on their challenging boss encounters and high difficulty. The same could be said for genres that demand equal footing for players, like the fighting game genre.
Having Xbox Copilot enabled, making the experience for those genres more approachable, potentially eliminates developer intent. Xbox is aware of this concern, though, with the Minecraft example they used mentioning a ‘Cheat’ tab players must opt into for further assistance.
We shall see how Microsoft and Xbox develop these tools over the next year, more so when third-party developers learn about Xbox’s plans using Xbox Copilot and develop their titles with it in mind.
Xbox Copilot on the Official Xbox Podcast
Listening to the official Xbox Podcast ahead of its latest release, they break down everything Xbox Copilot offers players. The big takeaway was the focus on removing ‘pain points’ and making gaming all the more inviting for new players.
You can listen to the full podcast here, which will give additional context to Xbox’s latest efforts with AI and supporting the players.
