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 legitimacy. IGN has reached out to Sony for comment.

The video, as reported by The Verge, features Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, conversing with an AI-powered Aloy. The technology 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 conversation, while showcasing impressive technological capabilities, reveals a robotic voice and stiff facial animations. Aloy's responses, while coherent, lack the nuanced delivery of voice actor Ashly Burch. The demo seamlessly transitions into *Horizon Forbidden West*'s game world, creating a somewhat jarring experience of conversing with a controlled character. The irony of using Aloy, given the *Horizon* storyline, is not lost.

The prototype, developed with Guerrilla Games, aims to demonstrate potential. While showcasing Sony's AI investment, the company hasn't confirmed plans for public integration, and its feasibility within current PS5 games remains uncertain. This research aligns with industry trends, as competitors like Microsoft (with its Muse AI) are actively pursuing similar AI technologies.

Generative AI's presence in gaming faces criticism regarding ethical and rights issues, and its capacity to produce enjoyable content remains a challenge. Keywords Studios' failed AI-driven game highlights these limitations. Despite this, major players like EA (describing AI as "core" to its business) and Capcom (experimenting with AI for environmental assets) are investing heavily. Asad Qizilbash of PlayStation Productions emphasizes AI's importance for younger generations seeking personalized gaming experiences.

Activision's recent admission of using generative AI for some *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* assets, following backlash over an AI-generated loading screen, further underscores the industry's ongoing exploration and the associated challenges.

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