Xbox has introduced “Copilot for Gaming,” an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to enhance player experiences through real-time guidance, game recommendations, and even a bit of trash talk.
Powered by Microsoft’s AI technology, Copilot is a voice-activated assistant capable of answering questions, offering strategic advice, and adapting to a player’s style. “It can trash talk you if that’s what you need,” said Fatima Kardar, corporate vice president of gaming AI at Microsoft, in an episode of Xbox’s official podcast released Thursday.
During a press briefing, Xbox demonstrated several key features of the AI assistant. Copilot can provide real-time tips, such as recommending the best Overwatch character for a specific match based on team strengths and past player selections. It can also analyze gameplay to suggest tactical moves and areas for improvement.
To ensure accuracy, Xbox has collaborated with game studios, preventing the AI from relying on potentially outdated or misleading internet sources. Kardar emphasized that while Copilot offers guidance, it won’t facilitate cheating.
Beyond gameplay assistance, Copilot can alert players when friends are online, suggest multiplayer sessions, and even serve as a companion for solo players, adjusting its interactions based on the user’s playstyle. Additional features include session recaps, game installations, and personalized recommendations for new titles.
Currently, Copilot for Gaming is available through the Xbox mobile app as a second-screen experience, with future updates planned based on user feedback.
Xbox joins other tech giants exploring AI in gaming. Google DeepMind previously introduced SIMA, an AI companion that assists players in various games, while Sony is reportedly developing an AI-powered version of Aloy, the protagonist from Horizon Forbidden West, according to The Verge.