An Xbox AI chatbot is in the works at Microsoft for its gaming consoles, according to sources who spoke to The Verge.
The goal of this Xbox AI is unrelated to Microsoft’s work with ChatGPT, instead being a AI avatar meant to take on support queries for Xbox customers. It’s part of the company’s larger plans to incorporate AI within the Xbox and it’s related services.
What will the Xbox AI chatbot do?
The Xbox AI chatbot, internally called the Xbox Support Virtual Agent, has access to Microsoft’s support materials related to the Xbox network and its surrounding environment, enabling it to answer inquiries and even handle game refund requests through Microsoft’s support site.
Microsoft confirmed the existence of the chatbot to The Verge, stating that the AI will be an animated character that can search Xbox Support topics using either voice or text. Additionally, the prototype simplifies and accelerates players’ process of finding assistance with support issues by employing “natural language” and drawing from the “information available on existing Xbox Support pages.”
Starting with “How can I help you today?”, the Xbox chatbot can quickly respond to support queries ranging from troubleshooting console issues to resolving problems with paid subscriptions.
While the Xbox AI is still being tested and far from a wide release to players, this is just the start of Microsoft’s plans to incorporate AI in its premier gaming console. The goal, according to the sources who spoke with the Verge, is to use AI for game creation, including AI-generated assets, environments, and NPCs.
