Krafton, Inc., the developer behind the popular battle royale game "PUBG: Battlegrounds," is introducing a new AI-powered feature that could change how players experience the game. In partnership with NVIDIA and its ACE generative AI, Krafton has unveiled "Allies," co-playable characters (CPCs) that assist players during matches. This new technology was showcased at CES 2025 and aims to provide in-game insights and assistance for a more interactive and efficient gameplay experience.
'PUBG' and NVIDIA Bring AI-Powered Ally NPCs to the Game
The role of non-playable characters (NPCs) in video games has evolved significantly, thanks to advancements in generative AI. Now, one of the world's leading battle royale games is adopting this technology. Krafton recently announced its partnership with NVIDIA to integrate the ACE generative AI into "PUBG," transforming traditional NPCs into Allies, or Co-Playable Characters (CPCs).
Unlike conventional NPCs, which are limited to preset dialogues or even complete silence, the Allies will interact dynamically with players, offering a more engaging and responsive gameplay experience. According to Engadget, Krafton plans to expand this technology beyond "PUBG," with potential applications in other franchises such as "inZOI."
In a shift from typical AI models, Krafton will use NVIDIA ACE's small language model (SLM) on-device, allowing the Allies to offer real-time interactions with players during matches. This approach marks a significant departure from the large language models (LLM) used in previous AI integrations.
Co-Playable Characters to Help Gamers in Matches
Generative AI has already had a transformative effect across multiple industries, and the gaming world is no exception. NVIDIA's ACE, in partnership with Krafton's Deep Learning Division, is poised to redefine how NPCs interact with players. The new Co-Playable Characters will not only provide in-game assistance but also offer a cooperative experience that changes the dynamics of "PUBG" and other games under Krafton's umbrella.
The introduction of generative AI into gaming is creating more immersive and interactive experiences, and with "PUBG's" new Allies, players can expect an entirely new level of engagement.
AI-Powered Technology in Games
Artificial intelligence has long been a part of video games, with developers using it to enhance player experiences. Some major studios, such as Nintendo, have utilized traditional AI to refine gameplay, but have drawn the line at adopting generative AI.
While traditional AI is focused on optimizing pre-developed content, generative AI creates entirely new content through machine learning. This technology allows for more dynamic interactions and real-time adaptation, opening up new possibilities for game developers and players alike.
Krafton's integration of generative AI into "PUBG" marks a significant leap forward for the gaming industry, offering a glimpse into the future of interactive gameplay. Through its partnership with NVIDIA's ACE, Krafton is setting a new standard for NPC interaction, paving the way for more intelligent, cooperative, and engaging game experiences.
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