Here's how Nvidia is revolutionizing the world of video games with its latest AI technology. At the Game Developers Conference, Nvidia showcased its AI "digital human" tools that are being used by developers to voice, animate, and generate dialogue for video game characters. One of the demos presented was Covert Protocol, a playable tech demo that highlights how AI tools can enable NPCs to respond uniquely to player interactions, creating new responses in real-time gameplay.
In Covert Protocol, players step into the shoes of a private detective and engage in conversations with AI-powered NPCs to complete objectives. Nvidia claims that each playthrough is distinct, with players' interactions influencing different game outcomes. According to John Spitzer, Nvidia's vice president of developer and performance technologies, the company's AI tech could be the key to enhancing the realism of digital interactions through complex animations and conversational speech.
The demo was developed in partnership with Inworld AI, an AI gaming startup, utilizing Nvidia's Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) technology. Although the demo primarily features NPCs delivering various voice lines, the line delivery and lip-syncing animations may come across as robotic. Nevertheless, Inworld plans to release Covert Protocol's source code in the near future to encourage other developers to adopt Nvidia's ACE digital human tech.
Nvidia also showcased its Audio2Face tech in a clip from the MMO World of Jade Dynasty, demonstrating a character effortlessly lip-syncing to both English and Mandarin Chinese speech. This technology aims to simplify game development in multiple languages without the need for manual reanimation. Similarly, another clip from the game Unawake highlights how Audio2Face can enhance facial animations in both cinematics and gameplay.
While these tech demos may intrigue game developers considering the integration of AI-powered NPCs, some concerns persist. Despite advancements, NPCs in Covert Protocol still lack the human-like qualities desired by audiences. Additionally, the impact of AI adoption on video game voice actors remains a point of contention.
Overall, Nvidia's ongoing advancements in AI technology continue to shape the landscape of the gaming industry, offering developers innovative tools to enhance player experiences. With collaborations with startups like Inworld AI and partnerships with tech giants like Microsoft, Nvidia's AI initiatives are set to drive further innovation in game development.
