Sony’s AI Leak Reveals a Creepy Sci-Fi Future PS5 Gamers Don’t Necessarily Want

Similar to many large tech firms, Sony has been dabbling in the development of generative AI technologies. However, a demonstration of this technology, which was accidentally made public, is now garnering attention from interested parties.

According to a report by The Verge, Sony is developing technology that enables game characters to converse with players based on their speech. An early version of this AI was showcased in a leaked video, featuring Aloy from Horizon as an example. However, the original video has been removed, but copies and clips are still available online.

Showcased by Sharwin Raghoebardajal from SIE, this initial model was primarily developed for internal technological showcase. It features an artificially intelligent character named Aloy, capable of answering questions and following prompts. This allows for a direct interaction between the AI and the user, creating a dialogue exchange.

In the video, you’ll find Aloy exploring both the real and virtual landscapes of Horizon Forbidden West. Within the game, she’s equipped with a unique ability to respond to situation-specific queries about her environment, thereby assisting the player.

As a devoted enthusiast, I’ve been tinkering with the prototype on my personal computer. Interestingly, when I moved to experimenting with it on my PlayStation 5, I found that there seems to be minimal additional work required for implementation, making it an intriguing prospect.

It’s evident that the AI technology demonstrated in the leaked video isn’t yet polished enough for integration into games. The temporary AI voice and facial expressions given to Aloy create an eerie, unsettling effect, which is quite disturbing to put it mildly.

This development presents numerous opportunities for questioning. How could this technology influence the process of game creation? What implications might it hold for Ashly Burch, who has embodied the character in the series up to now?

Isn’t it quite an interesting twist that Sony chose Aloy, a character who battles against malicious AI, to showcase their technology instead?

Is it essential or desirable for players to interact verbally with the characters they control in games such as Horizon? If so, wouldn’t this interaction disrupt the immersive role-playing experience typically found in Role-Playing Games (RPGs)?

Indeed, the technology under discussion goes beyond just Guerrilla’s series; practically speaking, it might find its way into numerous Sony-exclusive games, provided it progresses sufficiently.

To clarify, it’s worth noting that Sony isn’t the sole entity delving into AI for game development. In fact, Microsoft has unveiled their Muse technology, a tool primarily designed to aid developers in refining their concepts.

Various executives from publishing companies such as Sony, EA, and more have expressed thoughts on how artificial intelligence (AI) might impact game development. Hermen Hulst from SIE has stated that while AI can offer potential advantages, it will not replace the essential human touch in game development.

It’s beneficial to utilize AI tools appropriately, but poor implementations of AI, often referred to as “AI slop,” are clearly showing their potential for harm. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in subpar video games that incorporate AI-generated assets, some even copying the work of independent studios, on the PlayStation Store. What’s troubling is that Sony is promoting these questionable games on social media.

Additionally troubling is the perplexing use of AI-created artworks by Activision for advertising games that haven’t been released yet, such as the supposed new versions of Crash Bandicoot and Guitar Hero.

Of course, we’ll have to wait and see if Sony’s AI characters yield any significant results. In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to share them in the comments section below.

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2025-03-11 15:07