Sony Leaks AI-Driven Aloy Prototype

A leaked internal Sony video has surfaced, showcasing experimental AI-driven PlayStation characters powered by advanced technology.

According to The Verge, PlayStation Studios' R&D team created a tech demo featuring Horizon's Aloy to illustrate AI-enhanced NPC interactions before the video was copyright-claimed by Sony's enforcement partner Muso.

The pulled footage reportedly shows PlayStation engineering director Sharwin Raghoebardajal conversing with an AI-generated Aloy using voice recognition and synthetic speech paired with facial animations.

The prototype leverages OpenAI's Whisper for speech processing, GPT-4/Llama 3 for dialogue systems, Sony's EVS for vocal synthesis, and Mockingbird tech for facial rendering.

In their stilted exchange, Raghoebardajal asks about Aloy's wellbeing, receiving the response: "Hello, I'm managing alright. Just dealing with a sore throat. How have you been?" from the robotic-voiced character.

Notably absent is Ashly Burch's iconic voice performance, replaced by synthetic speech lacking emotional nuance, while the character's facial expressions appear rigid during interactions.

When questioned about her quest to find her mother, the AI Aloy responds clinically: "I discovered I'm a clone of Dr. Elizabeth Sobeck, which led me to understand my purpose and origins."

The disjointed demo transitions into Horizon Forbidden West's game world, creating narrative dissonance as the player converses with their own controlled character - an ironic twist given Horizon's themes.

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Developed collaboratively with Guerrilla Games, the prototype represents Sony's exploratory AI research rather than imminent product integration, with no current plans for PS5 implementation.

Sony's AI pursuits mirror industry trends as competitors like Microsoft develop game design tools like Muse AI, despite generative AI's controversial reception among developers and players.

The games industry's ongoing adoption of generative AI faces scrutiny following failed experiments like Keywords Studios' all-AI developed game, which investors deemed incapable of replacing human creativity.

Major publishers remain committed - EA considers AI fundamental to operations, while Capcom explores procedural environment generation to handle massive content demands.

PlayStation executive Asad Qizilbash emphasizes AI's importance for younger generations seeking personalized NPC interactions, though current technical limitations remain evident.

The debate intensifies as Activision confirms using generative AI for Call of Duty assets despite backlash over perceived "AI slop" quality issues.