As part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into various aspects of its ecosystem, the company is set to introduce its AI Copilot into the Xbox gaming experience. This new feature, dubbed Copilot for Gaming, is designed to offer players advice, help them recall where they left off in their last gaming session, and perform other useful tasks to enhance their gaming experience.
The rollout of Copilot for Gaming will initially be available to Xbox Insiders through the Xbox mobile app for testing in the near future. For those unfamiliar, Copilot replaced Cortana in 2023 and is already integrated into Windows. At launch, the gaming version of Copilot will come with several features, including the ability to install games on your Xbox and provide insights into your play history, achievements, and game library. Additionally, it will offer recommendations on what to play next. Players can interact with Copilot directly on the Xbox app while playing, receiving answers in a manner similar to how it functions on Windows.
One of the most significant features touted by Microsoft is Copilot's role as a gaming assistant. Users can ask questions about specific games, such as strategies to defeat a boss or solve a puzzle, and Copilot will source answers from various online guides, websites, wikis, and forums. This feature will soon be available on the Xbox app as well.
Microsoft aims to ensure the accuracy of the information provided by Copilot, working closely with game studios to reflect their vision accurately. The AI will also direct players to the original source of the information, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable gaming experience.
Microsoft has plans to expand Copilot's functionalities beyond the initial features. During a press briefing, spokespeople discussed potential future uses, such as serving as a walkthrough assistant to explain game mechanics, helping players remember the location of items within a game, and suggesting new items to find. In competitive games, Copilot could offer real-time strategy tips and explain game engagements. These are currently conceptual ideas, but Microsoft is keen on integrating Copilot closely with regular Xbox gameplay. The company also confirmed plans to work with both first-party and third-party studios to enhance game integration.
Regarding user privacy, Xbox Insiders can opt out of using Copilot during the preview phase. However, Microsoft has left open the possibility that Copilot might become mandatory in the future. A spokesperson stated that during the mobile preview, players will have control over how and when they interact with Copilot, including access to their conversation history and the actions it can perform on their behalf. Microsoft emphasized its commitment to transparency regarding data collection, usage, and player choices about sharing personal data.
Moreover, Copilot is not solely focused on enhancing player experiences. Microsoft will present an overview of its plans for developer use at the upcoming Game Developers Conference, highlighting its broader ambitions for AI integration in gaming.
