Xbox chatbot AI is in development at Microsoft

A report by Tom Warren at The Verge says that Microsoft is in the process of creating a new AI chatbot tailored for Xbox. The Verge has received confirmation of this development from Microsoft itself.

This new chatbot will be connected to the Xbox ecosystem and will be able to answer questions and even process game refunds from the Microsoft support site

Referred to as a Xbox Support Virtual Agent, the AI helper will be animated character that can query Xbox query Xbox Support topics using voice or text.

The Xbox chat bot will ask players “How can I help you today?” and then move forward in an attempt to resolve queries such as a broken Xbox or subscription issues.

In a statement with The Verge, Haiyan Zhang, general manager of gaming AI at Xbox said “We are testing an Xbox Support Virtual Agent, an internal prototype of an animated character that can query Xbox Support topics with voice or text,”.

“The prototype makes it easier and quicker for players to get help with support topics using natural language, taking information from existing Xbox Support pages.”

The Xbox Support Virtual Agent may one day handle all customer inquiries in the future on behalf of Microsoft.

This AI chatbot doesn't seem like all Microsoft are working on in the field of AI; several other avenues are being explored by the company it appears.

The Verge report also says that their sources tell them that Microsoft are looking to bring AI features to game content creation, game operations, as well as its Xbox platform and devices. Including experimental AI art and assets for their games, game testing, and AI NPC's that Microsoft have partnered with Inworld to develop already.

It is an interesting crossroads for the development of AI, some creators bemoan that it will end up taking jobs, while others are more receptive and look for ways to incorporate the technology into their work.