Krafton and Nvidia Collaborate to Enhance AI Characters in Gaming

Nvidia and Krafton are making headlines with their collaborative effort to introduce a revolutionary on-device AI designed to enhance gaming experiences in PUBG and inZOI. This pioneering Small Language Model (SLM), tailored for gaming applications, promises to redefine player interaction and immersion, especially in the popular PUBG franchise and the upcoming life simulation game, inZOI.

Revolutionizing NPCs into CPCs

The cutting-edge technology is set to stay local on a player's device, eliminating reliance on cloud computing. As described by Kang-Wook Lee, Krafton's deep learning lead, this advancement creates Co-Playable Characters (CPCs), which go beyond traditional Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) by communicating and strategizing with players. "This innovation can potentially expand PUBG’s audience," Lee explained, highlighting the game's long-standing success with over 80 million copies sold.

"For gaming, this language model will bring unprecedented levels of immersion in games, creating for the first time Co-Playable Characters (CPC)," said Kang-Wook Lee.

Krafton displayed these capabilities through a video demonstration, showcasing an NPC aiding a player in battle royale tactics, thus offering a glimpse into how these characters can enhance gameplay dynamics.

Why This Matters

The introduction of CPCs, which can engage in natural verbal communication, signifies a major leap in gaming immersion and AI's role in the entertainment industry. Players will meet these advancements in two specific scenarios:

• PUBG Franchise: New AI companions powered by SLM will team up with human players, enhancing the tactical and strategic elements of gameplay.
• inZOI: The life simulator invites players to experience a dynamic world where each "Zoi" character acts independently based on a multitude of personal attributes and real-time experiences.

These advancements promise improved privacy, higher responsiveness, and the elimination of subscription fees, as all data processing occurs locally on the user's device.

inZOI: A New Era of Game Simulation

Set for release on March 28, inZOI boasts 300 unique characters driven by approximately 600 mental data points each, forging an unparalleled Realistic Life Simulation (RLS). Unlike traditional games, Krafton’s 'Smart Zoi' system equips characters with the capability to adapt and react to unexpected scenarios based on personality traits, age, and circumstances.

This dynamism ensures that the city's vibrant ecosystem is constantly evolving, as Zois analyze daily experiences and adapt for future actions, promising a continually refreshing and personalized gaming environment.

"We wanted to build something that is really different from NPCs. Why do we call this CPC? Because it’s a character that you can actually build on your own," stated Lee.

As gaming enters this transformative phase, Krafton’s team of 80 developers remains dedicated to advancing AI character technology, despite some limitations. Recognizing the humorous quirks of current AI, Lee remains hopeful about future progress.

"I’m pretty sure AI will change almost everything we’ve been doing for years," Lee asserted. "I see 2025 as the biggest year of the AI world, and I would say InZOI is going to be a critical milestone in gaming."

With a March launch, inZOI positions itself as a pivotal moment in gaming, leveraging AI tools to accelerate innovation. While Lee anticipated smarter NPCs by 2024, he now sees 2025 as a defining year, full of possibilities and humor that enrich the gaming experience.