During the recent "State of Unreal" keynote presentation, Epic Games unveiled its latest technology for the first time, allowing creators of Fortnite to use generative AI tools to customize personalized non-player characters (NPCs). The highlight of this feature is that developers can create interactive NPCs with unique personalities, voices, and tones by writing approximately 20 lines of prompt text.
According to reports from Engadget, the NPC in the demonstration was named "Mr. Buttons," whose only task was to persuade players to press a large red button in the center of the room. During the demonstration, when the host questioned the "No Button Pressing" sign in the room, Mr. Buttons' response was surprising: "Signs? They're just warm-hearted suggestions from people lacking imagination. Rules are meant to be gently broken occasionally, don't you think?"
Although the technical demonstration was impressive, it also exposed the current limitations of generative AI technology. For example, the system still uses a turn-based conversation approach and cannot simulate the interruptions or overlapping speech common in natural conversations. Additionally, users need to hold down the microphone button to activate their speech, and during responses, Mr. Buttons would add filler words to cover waiting times.
This new feature builds on the technology used earlier in Fortnite: Star Wars Battle Pass. At that time, Gemini2.0Flash used ElevenLabs' AI tool to generate lines imitating the voice of James Earl Jones, which was authorized by his estate. The AI version of Darth Vader quickly became a topic of discussion among players but also sparked some controversy. In one video, Darth Vader accidentally repeated a swear word used by a streamer and then harshly scolded the player for being too crude. Epic quickly fixed the system and promised that such issues would not happen again.
The generative AI technology introduced by Epic not only provides players with more interactive gaming experiences but also opens up new creative possibilities for developers, looking forward to more innovative applications in the future.
Key Points:
🌟 Creators can use generative AI tools to customize personalized NPCs with just 20 lines of text.
🗣️ The NPC "Mr. Buttons" in the demonstration interacted with players humorously, showcasing the potential of the technology.
⚠️ Current technology has limitations and requires improvements in conversational fluency and natural interaction capabilities.
