Microsoft's Quake 2 AI Fuels Online Debate

Microsoft has produced a playable, AI-driven "interactive space" inspired by Quake II, igniting intense online discussion.

As reported by PC Gamer, the demo runs on Microsoft's recently unveiled Muse and WHAM (World and Human Action Model) AI systems, enabling it to "dynamically generate in-game visuals and simulate player actions in real time." This results in a semi-playable world built entirely by AI, without a conventional game engine.

"In this real-time tech demo, Copilot creates gameplay sequences inspired by the classic Quake II on the fly," Microsoft explained. "Each player input triggers the next AI-generated scene, mimicking the experience of playing the original Quake II on a standard engine. We invite you to try it, share feedback, and help shape tomorrow's AI-powered gaming."

"This shortdemo drops you into a Quake II-inspired interactive arena where AI generates immersive graphics and responsive gameplay instantly. It offers a groundbreaking look at a new form of game interaction, turning advanced research into an engaging, quick-play experience."

While the concept sounds promising, the actual demo falls short of expectations.

After The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley posted a short clip of the demo on X/Twitter, hundreds reacted—with very few positive replies.

Microsoft has created an AI-generated replica of Quake II that you can play in browser.

"Every frame is created on the fly by an AI world model."

Play it here:https://t.co/WGQymDOmsj pic.twitter.com/35MX5aHPbF

— Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) April 5, 2025

"I really don’t want the future of gaming to be AI-generated slop," one Redditor remarked. "Once it becomes cost-effective, greedy studios will shift entirely to AI. The human touch will vanish.

"And the worst part? Gamers will buy it. They spend $100 on cosmetic skins—they'll buy anything you sell."

"Microsoft's claim that they aim 'to build a whole catalog of games using this AI model'—despite the tech struggling with basic movement, let alone original design—really highlights what’s wrong with AI and the tech industry," added another.

"I had more fun just imagining the game in my head," wrote another user.

Still, not everyone was so critical.

"Why does everything have to be doom and gloom?" commented a more optimistic respondent. "It’s a demo for a reason—it showcases future potential. An AI that can create a coherent, consistent world is incredible. It’s not yet suited for full games, but as a tool for early concepts or pitching, it’s promising. The progress made in just months is impressive.

"This isn’t a product; it’s a demonstration of how far the technology has come."

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, however, had a very different reaction:

pic.twitter.com/XidCvhLDTI

— Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) April 5, 2025

Generative AI is among the most debated topics in video games and entertainment—industries that have faced major layoffs in recent years. It faces backlash from players and creators over ethical concerns, rights issues, and its struggle to produce content audiences genuinely enjoy. For example, Keywords Studios tried building an experimental game using only AI. The project failed, with the studio telling investors that AI “cannot replace human talent.”

Nevertheless, several game companies continue integrating generative AI into development. Activision recently acknowledged using generative AI for certain assets in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, following new Steam disclosure rules—amid criticism over an "AI slop" zombie Santa loading screen.

Last month, Horizon voice actor Ashly Burch addressed a leaked AI-generated video of Aloy, using it to underscore the demands of striking performers.