Ahead of the Game Developers Conference (GDC), Xbox announced on Thursday that it is testing an AI-powered gaming assistant called “Copilot for Gaming.”
Powered by Microsoft’s AI technology, Copilot is a voice-activated companion designed to enhance the gaming experience. It can answer questions, assist with tasks, and even throw in some playful criticism if you’re underperforming.
“If you need some trash talk, it can do that,” said Fatima Kardar, Microsoft’s corporate vice president of gaming AI, during an episode of Xbox’s official podcast.
During a press demonstration, Xbox showcased several practical uses for Copilot, including real-time gameplay advice. For instance, it can suggest the best Overwatch character to pick based on your team’s needs and past choices on specific maps. The AI can also offer strategic tips to help you win battles and improve over time.
To ensure accurate responses, Xbox has collaborated with game studios instead of relying solely on internet sources, which can sometimes be outdated or misleading. While Copilot won’t enable cheating, it provides reliable in-game assistance.
Beyond gameplay support, Copilot can notify you when friends are online and suggest joining a game together. If your friends are unavailable, the AI can act as a companion that adapts to your playstyle. It also manages smaller tasks like recapping your last session, installing games, and recommending new titles based on your preferences.
Currently, Copilot for Gaming is accessible through the Xbox mobile app, functioning as a second screen while you play. Xbox aims to refine the feature based on user feedback.
Other companies, including Google and Sony, are also developing AI-powered gaming assistants. For instance, Google DeepMind created SIMA, a game-playing AI, while Sony is reportedly working on an AI version of Aloy from Horizon Forbidden West.
