Over the past few years, Microsoft has shown a strong commitment to integrating AI into its ecosystem, particularly when it comes to Xbox. The latest development in this pursuit is the introduction of their new Muse generative AI model. This advancement not only holds promise for aiding game developers in their creative ventures but also poses exciting possibilities for preserving classic Xbox games.
Microsoft describes Muse as a pioneering generative AI model capable of crafting consistent and varied gameplay experiences rendered through AI. Collaborating with Ninja Theory, a studio within Xbox Game Studios, they trained Muse using the multiplayer battle arena game, Bleeding Edge. In a detailed blog post, Fatima Kardar, the corporate vice president of gaming AI at Microsoft, elaborated on this partnership. She explained that Muse, hailed as a “first-of-its-kind” model, boasts a sophisticated grasp of the 3D game environment, including the game’s physics and interactive responses to player inputs, which are pivotal in creating AI-generated gameplay. Microsoft considers this development a major breakthrough that could significantly empower game developers.
Though still in its early stages, Kardar noted that Muse is “pushing the boundaries of what we thought was possible.” It’s being deployed to create a real-time playable AI model, trained on other first-party Xbox games. The potential implications of this work are vast. Microsoft envisions it someday benefiting both game creators and players, by reviving nostalgic games and expediting creative ideation.
Regarding game preservation, Kardar pointed out that many beloved classic games are tethered to outdated hardware, making them inaccessible to most players today. With Muse, Microsoft is exploring ways to convert older games from their back catalog into a format compatible with any device. This capability could revolutionize how we preserve and experience classic games, making them available to a broader audience. The thought of cherished games, once lost to the march of technology, becoming playable on any screen through Xbox is indeed an exciting prospect.
Additionally, Microsoft is investigating how Muse could assist game developers in prototyping fresh gameplay experiences or injecting new content into existing games. This could transform player engagement by not only refreshing games developers and players cherish but also potentially allowing players to contribute to the creative process.
Preserving some of the most iconic Xbox games lost over time is an intriguing notion, albeit somewhat speculative at this point. What are your thoughts on this cutting-edge direction? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
