I Had Actual Conversations with Nvidia’s AI-Powered Video Game NPCs


Imagine chatting with video game characters using your own voice, asking questions, and getting personalized responses. Last May, Nvidia and Convai presented a demo of such a system, and at CES 2024, I had the chance to experience an interactive version. While not perfect, the potential for this technology to enhance future games is evident.

The characters I interacted with were essentially generative AI chatbots. Admittedly, they lacked the realism of genuine human interaction, with occasional robotic stutters and delays. Yet, compared to many non-playable characters (NPCs) in today's games, they exceeded expectations. Here's a snippet of my conversation with Jin, the ramen shop owner, and Nova, a digital NPC friend.

After a basic prompt, I used my mouse and microphone to engage with them. Despite limitations, the interaction showcased the potential for more immersive game experiences. The NPCs responded to questions about their backstory, the city, and even offered recommendations.

While the dialogue wasn't groundbreaking, it demonstrated the technology's ability to create more lifelike NPCs. Game developers could utilize this to populate worlds with diverse characters or enhance existing dialogue written by humans. It opens up possibilities for NPCs to remember and react dynamically to the game's unfolding events.

Convai's platform revealed the underlying mechanics, featuring character descriptions, knowledge banks, personality sliders, state of mind, guardrails, and a memory bank. While characters like Jin and Nova seemed two-dimensional, a skilled writer could enrich their backstories and motivations.

As this technology advances, it's essential for game developers to integrate it responsibly, augmenting rather than replacing human talent. The ongoing debate in the game industry over the impact of AI on jobs underscores the need for thoughtful implementation.

In conclusion, conversational AI has the potential to revolutionize how we interact with video game characters. As developers explore its possibilities, a balance must be struck to preserve the essential role of human creativity in game design.


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