Generative AI is a contentious topic, with supporters advocating for its potential to simplify tasks and critics warning of its negative impacts. Microsoft has introduced Muse, a generative AI model for game design developed with Ninja Theory, leveraging the World and Human Action Model. Muse aims to assist developers by creating coherent gameplay sequences and enhancing prototypes. Microsoft emphasizes responsible AI use, allowing teams to decide how to implement this technology while promoting game preservation and modernization.
The Polarizing Nature of Generative AI
The topic of generative artificial intelligence (AI), which enables content creation through simple prompts, is a divisive one. On one hand, advocates believe it can simplify their tasks by utilizing models derived from existing works. Conversely, critics highlight the various repercussions that generative AI may have, ranging from ecological concerns to its influence on art and creativity. Regardless of the debate, many organizations are embracing generative AI, and this week, Microsoft is introducing Muse, a project specifically geared towards the realm of video games.
Introducing Microsoft’s Muse: A Game-Changer for Developers
In a comprehensive announcement on the official Xbox website, Microsoft unveiled Muse, described as its “generative AI model for gameplay design.” This innovative model has been developed in partnership with Ninja Theory, the studio behind the acclaimed game Hellblade. Muse operates on a framework known as the World and Human Action Model (WHAM) and has been trained using the game Bleeding Edge, which, despite its lack of commercial success, serves as a testing ground for this cutting-edge technology. Key figures involved in the project, including Phil Spencer (CEO of Xbox), Dom Matthews (director of Ninja Theory), and Katja Hofmann (principal researcher at Microsoft Research and head of the Game Intelligence team), shared insights about Muse in a recent video.
So, what capabilities does Muse offer? While it may not be the rock star of the gaming world, Microsoft’s Muse is designed to “understand the physical laws of the game and respond to players’ actions with coherent and diverse gameplay, all generated by AI.” More specifically, as detailed in an article from Microsoft Research, Muse can create coherent gameplay sequences and predict various command scenarios based on just a few images. It’s important to note that Microsoft’s generative AI is not positioned to autonomously create a full-fledged video game tomorrow; rather, it serves as a “tool for developers,” enabling them to enhance their maps and gameplay sequences using AI-generated predictions. This functionality allows for the quicker and more efficient creation of prototypes, which are essential in showcasing the foundational gameplay of a game.
Furthermore, the Xbox site emphasizes a significant advantage of Muse: its generative AI could be utilized to “modernize classic games from our catalog, giving them a new lease on life.” Although details remain sparse, it’s easy to envision Muse analyzing gameplay from various players of an older title to “recreate” it for compatibility with contemporary systems. Microsoft is a staunch advocate for game preservation, and the Xbox Series X|S enables players to enjoy numerous Xbox classics that are two decades old, thanks to backward compatibility. It remains to be seen if Muse can match the performance of a dedicated team of developers.
Microsoft is acutely aware of the contentious nature of generative artificial intelligence and is proceeding with caution. The company has entrusted its studio creators with the discretion to determine how generative AI may be applied, tailored to the unique requirements of each project. Essentially, each team holds the autonomy to choose whether or not to utilize Muse. The manufacturer aims to establish its generative AI as a “Responsible AI,” emphasizing principles such as fairness, reliability, safety, privacy protection, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
As we await more concrete information on Muse’s role in future video games, you can purchase the Xbox Series X starting at €549.89 from major retailers like Amazon, Cdiscount, and Fnac.