Sony Tests AI Prototype with Horizon's Aloy

A leaked internal video confirms Sony is testing AI-driven PlayStation characters powered by advanced dialogue systems.

The Verge uncovered footage reportedly from PlayStation Studios' R&D team, featuring Horizon's Aloy demonstrating next-gen conversational NPC technology.

After YouTube removed the video following Muso's copyright claim (a firm representing Sony Interactive Entertainment), its authenticity became apparent. IGN reached out to Sony for official clarification.

The demo showcases Sony engineer Sharwin Raghoebardajal conversing with an AI version of Aloy using integrated voice recognition, generative dialogue, and facial animation systems.

This system combines OpenAI's Whisper for speech processing, GPT-4/Llama 3 for dynamic responses, Sony's EVS for vocal synthesis, and Mockingbird technology for facial expressions.

During the interaction, Raghoebardajal asks about Aloy's wellbeing, prompting her reply: "I'm managing fine, though battling a sore throat. How about you?" Contrasting with Ashly Burch's iconic performance, this prototype uses synthetic speech with noticeably robotic cadence and limited facial mobility.

The AI character engages meaningfully with Horizon lore, discussing her clone origins: "Discovering I'm Dr. Sobeck's genetic copy helped me understand my purpose," while reflecting that "being cloned creates both heritage connections and personal agency."

The demonstration shifts into actual Horizon Forbidden West gameplay, creating cognitive dissonance as players converse with their controlled character. The irony of using Aloy—whose narrative explores artificial life—for this experiment hasn't gone unnoticed.

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Sony confirmed this Guerrilla Games-assisted prototype illustrates internal research, with Raghoebardajal calling it "just scratching the surface." While demonstrating serious AI investment, Sony hasn't committed to implementing this technology publicly, especially considering current PS5 technical limitations.

Sony's AI exploration aligns with industry trends, as competitors like Microsoft develop tools like Muse for game design ideation. The broader gaming sector views generative AI as transformative despite recent workforce reductions.

However, adoption faces hurdles: Keywords Studios' fully AI-developed game failed miserably, proving automation can't replace human creativity. Contrastingly, EA considers AI foundational, while Capcom tests it for environmental design ideation.

PlayStation's Asad Qizilbash highlights AI's importance for younger demographics: "Gen Z and Alpha players expect NPCs that dynamically react to their actions, demanding deeper personalization in their digital-native experiences."

The debate intensified when Activision acknowledged using generative AI for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 assets, despite criticism over questionable "AI-generated" content like the controversial zombie Santa screen.