Using AI-generated voices for NPCs could be the future of gaming.
With the development of sophisticated AI, NPCs could be capable of having natural interactions with players and other characters, saving developers money and increasing profits by eliminating repetitive dialogue.
The concept of using AI for more realistic communication with NPCs is intriguing, but until we see it implemented in actual games, the extent to which this method would enhance – or detract from – gameplay remains to be seen. Using AI for more natural conversations with NPCs could be just the thing to enhance random NPC conversations and side quests. Dynamic AI-generated content could add more immersion to games by providing unique responses to player actions.
While the idea of replacing voice actors with AI-generated voices for major characters in games like The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is cost-prohibitive, smaller games and those with less of a focus on story may benefit from using AI to generate secondary conversation and random NPC interactions. Radiant-style AI could even be used to create more reactive NPCs that take note of what you’re doing and respond accordingly.
If AI-generated voices were used in larger-scale games, ethical sourcing of actual voices from voice actors would be important, in order to avoid automated voices that are not the voices of actual people. AI-generated voices could even benefit games with a major role-playing component, like the upcoming game Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2, which could use AI for side quests while main quests remain scripted.
While the idea of using AI for NPC communication is intriguing, the extent to which it could improve games remains to be seen. Of course, well-written scripts will always be important for main storylines, but the use of AI for NPC communication could save money for developers, which in turn would mean higher profits.
NPCs could also be programmed with lore and viewpoints, eliminating repetitive dialogue. A game that develops AI in this way could be on the horizon – at least, in the world of open-world games.
Featured image credit: Bethesda Softworks
