Ubisoft is diving headfirst into the world of AI-powered gaming, but will it be a triumphant leap or a misstep mirroring their past ventures? It’s a question many gamers are asking, especially considering the mixed feelings surrounding AI-generated content.
On November 21st, Ubisoft unveiled ‘Teammates,’ a first-person shooter experiment that’s making waves. This project, born from the same engine that powers games like ‘The Division 2’ and ‘Star Wars Outlaws,’ features AI companions that respond to voice commands in real-time. Players can direct these AI squadmates, Pablo and Sofia, to solve puzzles or engage in combat, while an AI assistant named Jaspar offers guidance.
This isn’t Ubisoft’s first foray into AI. They previously showcased ‘Neo NPCs’ at GDC in 2024, designed to dynamically react to players. The aim? To create more immersive and responsive characters within the game. Ubisoft assures that these AI companions are built with guardrails to prevent them from going off-script or becoming toxic. But even they admit that ‘Teammates’ is still in its early stages.
But here’s where it gets controversial… Ubisoft is trying to reassure everyone that this technology won’t replace human developers. Yet, with over 600 employees laid off in recent years, as the company struggles to release successful games, it’s hard not to question their motives.
Ubisoft’s director of GenAI gameplay, Xavier Manzanares, told Variety that games of tomorrow will listen and react to players far more than today, and this research gives a glimpse of what adaptive, generative play could add on top of proven game systems.
And this is the part most people miss… It wasn’t long ago that Ubisoft was heavily invested in NFTs and the metaverse. Now, it seems like AI is the new shiny object.
Could this shift to AI be a strategic move to regain investor confidence, or is it a distraction from deeper issues? What are your thoughts on Ubisoft’s embrace of AI in gaming? Share your opinions in the comments below!