Ubisoft has unveiled Teammates, a first-person shooter featuring AI squadmates and an AI assistant, marking its ‘first playable generative AI research project.’ The game, built in the Snowdrop Engine that powers The Division 2 and Star Wars Outlaws, showcases natural voice command integration and AI-driven mission guidance. The project comes from the same team behind Ubisoft’s Neo NPCs, demonstrated at GDC 2024.
Ubisoft’s announcement follows the company’s recent pivot away from NFTs and the metaverse, which had been a major focus in previous years. The company had previously invested heavily in blockchain technology and virtual worlds, but the backlash from players and critics led to a strategic shift. By emphasizing AI research and development, Ubisoft is positioning itself at the forefront of next-generation gaming technology.
Teammates introduces 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, while Jaspar handles mission tracking and guidance. This level of integration represents a significant step forward in AI application within video games, offering a more immersive and dynamic gameplay experience.
The move is part of Ubisoft’s broader strategy to innovate and maintain its competitive edge in the gaming industry. As the company continues to explore AI technologies, it aims to redefine player interaction and game design. Ubisoft’s shift from NFTs to AI highlights the evolving landscape of gaming and the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in creating more intelligent and responsive game environments.