AI Is Coming For Gaming
Is the gaming industry ready for AI? Microsoft seems to think so, but with an interesting twist. And no, I'm not talking about the rumors that Phil Spencer butted heads with Satya, which I'll talk about at the end.
Microsoft announced that Asha Sharma has been appointed Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, reporting directly to Satya Nadella.
Asha was formerly the president of product development for Microsoft's CoreAI product line. So it feels like Microsoft is going all in on AI in the gaming world? But the messaging from top leadership feels... different.
Satya Nadella, Phil Spencer, and Asha Sharma all delivered a message to the public, with only Asha mentioning AI. Her only message?
"As monetization and AI evolve and influence this future, we will not chase short-term efficiency or flood our ecosystem with soulless AI slop. Games are and always will be art, crafted by humans, and created with the most innovative technology provided by us."
Weird take for a company that's putting AI into everything to take from a new CEO of their gaming line.
Maybe the recent drop in shares scared Microsoft into slowing the AI push? I don't think so.
The only AI I've seen in a video game has been a mod for "Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord" which appears to be pretty awesome.
Although AI has infested virtually every part of the internet. From fake AI videos to articles written in the same tone, with the same long dashes, and the same rehashed content, gaming seems like a natural place for more AI. After all, what would make Sid Meier's Civilization game better? Not being so limited in communication with the other countries.
Lastly, there have been some rumors circulating that Phil Spencer is being "forced out" because he doesn't want AI in the gaming community. I don't think that could be further from the truth. Phil has worked at Microsoft since 1988. He mentioned that he's been planning to walk away since last fall. Not exactly a "here's the door" type of exit.
In summary, I, for one, am excited about the addition of AI being placed correctly into games.
