Leaked Internal Sony Video Uses Horizon's Aloy to Show AI-Powered PlayStation Character Prototype

A leaked internal video reveals Sony's experimentation with AI-powered PlayStation characters. The Verge reported on a video, allegedly from PlayStation Studios' advanced technology group, showcasing AI-powered Aloy from the *Horizon* games. The video's subsequent removal from YouTube following a copyright claim from Muso (a company listing Sony Interactive Entertainment as a client) suggests its legitimacy. IGN has reached out to Sony for comment.

The video, as reported by The Verge, features Sony Interactive Entertainment's director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, conversing with an AI-powered Aloy. The technology utilized includes OpenAI's Whisper for speech-to-text, GPT-4 and Llama 3 for dialogue and decision-making, Sony's Emotional Voice Synthesis (EVS) system, and Sony's Mockingbird technology for facial animation.

The conversation demonstrates Aloy's AI capabilities, with responses like, "Hello, I'm managing alright. Just dealing with a sore throat. How have you been?" The AI-generated voice differs significantly from voice actor Ashly Burch's portrayal, exhibiting a robotic quality. Aloy's facial animations are also stiff and lack natural expression.

When asked about her search for her mother, AI Aloy responds with plot points from the game: "I discovered I'm a clone of Dr. Elizabeth Sobeck, which led me to understand my purpose and origins." Her response to being a clone: "Being a clone feels unique, connecting me to the past while allowing me to create my own path and future."

The demo seamlessly transitions into the *Horizon Forbidden West* game world, continuing the conversation within the game environment. This creates a somewhat jarring experience, highlighting the irony of using Aloy, given the game's narrative. The prototype, developed with Guerrilla Games, is presented as a demonstration of potential, with Raghoebardajal stating, "This is just a glimpse of what is possible."

While Sony hasn't confirmed plans to integrate this technology into public-facing products, the exploration aligns with industry trends. Microsoft's AI initiatives, including Muse for game design idea generation, exemplify this. Generative AI, however, faces criticism regarding ethical concerns, rights issues, and its ability to consistently produce engaging content. Keywords Studios' failed experiment using entirely AI-generated content underscores these challenges.

Despite these challenges, major players like EA (which called AI "the very core" of its business) and Capcom (experimenting with generative AI for environment creation) are actively pursuing AI integration. Asad Qizilbash, Head of PlayStation Productions and Head of Product at PlayStation Studios, highlighted the importance of AI for Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers seeking personalized experiences, suggesting AI-driven NPC interactions as a key example. Activision's recent admission of using generative AI for some *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* assets, following backlash over an AI-generated loading screen, further illustrates the industry's complex relationship with this technology.

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