Meet Muse, Microsoft's New AI Revolution for Gaming
Microsoft is venturing further into the innovative gaming landscapes through Muse, a recently introduced AI model designed to assist Xbox game creators. Trained on the multiplayer game, Bleeding Edge by Ninja Theory, Muse can understand in-game physics and the 3D environment, leading to the development of visuals and responsive actions to players' movements.
A Possible Solution for Game Preservation?
One highlighted feature by Microsoft is the potential for game preservation, given Muse's capability to analyze legacy games from Microsoft's extensive library and optimize them for current hardware. Fatima Kardar, Microsoft’s corporate VP for Gaming AI, expressed the intriguing possibility of playing ‘retro’ titles on any modern screen via Xbox.
The Reception of Muse
However, the initial response of Muse from the developer community has been rather chilly. David Goldfarb, a seasoned game creator and the founder of The Outsiders, voiced his disdain bluntly. He holds a belief that generative AI is detrimental to video games as it threatens to undermine the long-established aesthetics and values, given its potential in reducing expenditure.
The Impact on Game Developers
As AI is becoming increasingly integral to video game creation, particularly with Microsoft’s recent foray into generative AI, many developers are skeptical about their job security. The rapidly transforming industry offerings tools that might render traditional craftsmanship unnecessary, causing a stir among professionals in the gaming industry.
An anonymous AAA developer described the predicament as Xbox’s inability to see the wider implications due to their intense focus on AI and the fear of opposing it due to job insecurity.
Thoughts from the anonymous developers
Another anonymous developer echoed similar sentiments, voicing concern over the focus on AI to please shareholders and expressing doubt on its appeal to game developers and players alike. Despite this resistance, Microsoft is steadfast in using Muse to develop a 'real-time playable AI model', trained on first-party games, hopeful that generative AI can be helpful in specific aspects of game development such as the prototyping phase.
Muse's Future: A Tough Road Ahead?
Despite Microsoft's intentions, winning over developers may prove to be a challenging task. As Marc Burrage, a development director at Creative Assembly points out, artificial intelligence may not necessarily simulate the human learning process during the prototyping stage. Microsoft’s proclamation that they aim to implement AI responsibly and collaboratively is admirable. However, a tangible action plan is required to provide reassurance to developers about their place in this new era of AI-based gaming.
