Microsoft to Integrate Copilot AI into Xbox App and Games

Microsoft is set to enhance the Xbox gaming experience with the introduction of its AI-powered Copilot, marking another step in the company's broader initiative to integrate artificial intelligence across its products. This new feature, dubbed Copilot for gaming, will soon be available for testing among Xbox Insiders through the Xbox mobile app.

Originally replacing Cortana in 2023, Copilot is Microsoft's AI chatbot that has already been integrated into Windows. The gaming version of Copilot comes with a set of initial features designed to assist players directly within their gaming sessions. Users will be able to request game installations on their Xbox, a function currently achievable with a single button press in the app. Additionally, Copilot can provide insights into a player's gaming history, achievements, and game library, and even suggest new games to play. Players can interact with Copilot in real-time during gameplay through the Xbox app, receiving immediate responses similar to how it operates on Windows.

Microsoft proof of concept image of Copilot for gaming in action.

One of the highlighted features at launch is Copilot's role as a gaming assistant. Players can seek advice on various in-game challenges, such as defeating bosses or solving puzzles, with Copilot sourcing answers from Bing and a variety of online resources including guides, websites, wikis, and forums. Microsoft is committed to ensuring the accuracy of the information provided by Copilot, working closely with game studios to reflect their intended game knowledge and directing players back to the original sources.

Microsoft's vision for Copilot extends beyond its initial capabilities. In a recent press briefing, spokespeople revealed potential future uses, such as acting as a walkthrough assistant to explain game mechanics, tracking item locations within games, or suggesting new items to find. Additionally, Copilot could serve as a real-time strategy advisor in competitive games, offering tips to counter opponents and analyzing gameplay outcomes. While these are currently conceptual ideas, Microsoft is keen on integrating Copilot more deeply into the Xbox gaming experience. The company also plans to collaborate with both first-party and third-party studios to enhance game integration.

Microsoft proof of concept image of Copilot gaming in action.

Regarding user privacy and control, Microsoft has confirmed that Xbox Insiders can opt out of Copilot during the preview phase. A spokesperson emphasized transparency about data collection and usage, stating that players will have control over how and when they interact with Copilot, including access to conversation history and actions performed on their behalf. However, the possibility of Copilot becoming a mandatory feature in the future was left open.

Beyond player-focused applications, Microsoft will discuss plans for developers to utilize Copilot at the upcoming Game Developers Conference. This session promises to shed light on how Copilot can be leveraged to enhance game development and player interaction across the Xbox ecosystem.