Leaked Internal Sony Video Uses Horizon's Aloy to Show AI-Powered PlayStation Character Prototype

A leaked internal video reveals Sony's experimentation with AI-powered PlayStation characters. The Verge reported on a video, allegedly from PlayStation Studios' advanced technology group, showcasing AI-driven Aloy from the *Horizon* games. The video's removal from YouTube following a copyright claim from Muso (a company listing Sony Interactive Entertainment as a client) suggests its authenticity. IGN has reached out to Sony for comment.

The video, as detailed by The Verge, shows Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, conversing with an AI-powered Aloy. This interaction utilizes OpenAI's Whisper for speech-to-text, GPT-4 and Llama 3 for dialogue and decision-making, Sony's Emotional Voice Synthesis (EVS) for speech, and Sony's Mockingbird technology for facial animation.

The AI Aloy's voice differs from voice actor Ashly Burch's, employing a robotic text-to-speech quality. Her facial animations are stiff, lacking the natural expressiveness of the game character. During the conversation, Aloy reveals her status as a clone of Dr. Elizabeth Sobeck, discussing the implications of this revelation.

The demo seamlessly transitions into *Horizon Forbidden West*'s game world, continuing the conversation within the game environment. This juxtaposition of player interaction with a controlled AI character highlights the technology's potential and inherent irony, given the *Horizon* storyline.

The prototype, developed with Guerrilla Games, demonstrates Sony's investment in AI-powered characters. While the video showcases possibilities, Sony hasn't confirmed plans for public integration, and its feasibility within current PS5 games remains unclear.

Sony's exploration isn't surprising, given competitors' similar AI initiatives. Microsoft's AI, Muse, generates game design ideas, while EA and Capcom also utilize generative AI for various development aspects.

The use of generative AI in gaming is a hot topic, facing criticism due to ethical and rights concerns, and challenges in creating enjoyable content. Keywords Studios' failed AI-driven game underscores AI's limitations in replacing human talent. Despite this, Asad Qizilbash (Head of PlayStation Productions and Head of Product at PlayStation Studios) highlighted AI's importance for Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers seeking personalized experiences, emphasizing AI's potential to create more engaging NPC interactions.

Activision's recent admission of generative AI use in *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* amidst criticism further underscores the ongoing debate surrounding AI's role in game development.

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