In a grand announcement, Microsoft unveiled its inaugural World and Human Action Model, dubbed WHAM, a revolutionary generative AI that is capable of generating game visuals and controller actions. Known affectionately as “Muse,” this AI creation is the fruit of a collaboration between Microsoft Research Game Intelligence, Teachable AI Experiences, and the esteemed game studio Ninja Theory.
Muse, as described by Microsoft, is crafted with the intention of providing effective support to human creatives. Trained on the multiplayer arena battler known as Bleeding Edge, this AI’s scope transcends merely creating an AI-controlled character, offering a plethora of potential outcomes far beyond initial expectations.
“What’s truly groundbreaking about Muse,” declares Fatima Kardar, Corporate VP for Gaming AI, “is its intricate comprehension of the 3D game world, encompassing game physics and the nuanced reactions to players’ controller inputs. This profound understanding empowers the model to generate diverse and consistent gameplay through AI rendering, marking a significant stride towards generative AI models that empower game creators.”
The possibilities presented by Muse are nothing short of extraordinary, despite its infancy in the realm of development. Envisioned applications include the restoration of older games rendered unplayable on modern hardware through optimization or potential ground-up reconstruction. Kardar envisions a future where cherished games, thought lost to time, can be experienced anew on various screens with Xbox compatibility, a prospect filled with excitement.
Looking ahead, Kardar hints at Muse’s capacity to generate fresh content for existing games, possibly implementing it dynamically. As models like Muse evolve, their impact on game development speed and methodology could prove to be monumental.
Microsoft’s foray into AI resonates with echoes of a realm often explored in popular culture, reminiscent of anime like Sword Art Online and celebrated novels like Ready Player One. One can almost taste the imminent realization of this futuristic vision, with promises of interactive AI game experiences to be sampled on CoPilot Labs in the near future.
The remarkable advancements heralded by AI innovation come not without their share of concerns. The Muse team reassures that the AI’s development will be guided by their unwavering commitment to Responsible AI, upheld by principles of fairness, reliability, safety, privacy, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability.
