Ubisoft Unveils AI-Powered FPS ‘Teammates’ Amid Shift Away from NFTs and Metaverse
Ubisoft, the French video game publisher known for franchises such as Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, has unveiled Teammates, a first-person shooter built around AI-powered squadmates that the company is calling its ‘first playable generative AI research project.’ This announcement comes shortly after the publisher moved away from its earlier forays into NFTs and the metaverse, both of which were met with significant criticism and skepticism from the gaming community.
The game, developed using the Snowdrop engine, powers titles such as The Division 2 and Star Wars Outlaws. It features an AI assistant named Jaspar and two AI squadmates called Pablo and Sofia. Players can issue natural voice commands to direct the squadmates in combat or puzzle-solving scenarios, while Jaspar assists with mission tracking and guidance. The project is being developed by the same team behind Ubisoft’s Neo NPCs, which were showcased at GDC 2024.
Ubisoft’s recent pivot towards AI technology reflects a broader industry trend of exploring machine learning and natural language processing to enhance immersive gameplay experiences. The company has acknowledged past challenges with its NFT initiatives, which faced backlash due to their perceived lack of practical value and potential for exploitation. The metaverse venture also struggled to gain traction, with developers questioning the feasibility of long-term engagement in a virtual world.
With Teammates, Ubisoft aims to demonstrate how AI can be leveraged to create more dynamic and responsive gameplay. The game’s AI-driven squadmates can adapt to player strategies in real-time, offering a new layer of tactical depth. This innovation aligns with the company’s efforts to stay competitive in an increasingly AI-driven gaming landscape, where major studios are exploring new ways to leverage technology for player engagement.
While the exact release date of Teammates has not been disclosed, Ubisoft has emphasized that the game represents a significant step forward in its exploration of generative AI in gaming. The project is expected to be a key showcase of the company’s technological capabilities, underscoring its commitment to pushing the boundaries of interactive entertainment.