Microsoft's Muse AI will help developers change how we play games

Microsoft has introduced Muse, an innovative generative AI model aimed at transforming game development and preservation. Created in partnership with Xbox studio Ninja Theory, Muse is designed to help developers quickly prototype gameplay and preserve classic titles for modern platforms.

What sets Muse apart is its deep understanding of 3D game environments, including physics and player interactions. This allows the AI to produce consistent and varied gameplay experiences based on visual inputs or controller actions.

Muse’s AI will be a lot more challenging

Fatima Kardar, Corporate Vice President of Gaming AI at Microsoft, noted that Muse signifies a major leap in generative AI, enabling game creators to realize their ideas more effectively. The AI model was trained on a vast amount of gameplay data from Ninja Theory’s game, Bleeding Edge.

This training process involved analyzing over a billion image-action pairs, which is roughly equivalent to seven years of human gameplay. Although Muse currently outputs at a resolution of 300×180 pixels and 10 frames per second, it represents a significant step forward from earlier models and highlights the potential for future improvements.

In addition to supporting game development, Microsoft sees Muse as a key player in game preservation. By learning from existing gameplay data, Muse could recreate classic games, making them playable on modern hardware without needing the original engines or systems. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, emphasized the opportunity Muse provides to preserve cherished games, allowing future generations to enjoy them anew.

While Muse presents exciting advancements, its launch has ignited conversations within the game development community. Some developers are worried that generative AI could threaten the creative processes and job security in the industry.

Microsoft has acknowledged these concerns, stating that Muse is designed to enhance, not replace, human creativity. Dom Matthews, head of Ninja Theory, highlighted that the technology is meant to simplify development, allowing creative teams to concentrate on the artistic elements that make games special.

As Muse continues to develop, Microsoft intends to work closely with developers and players to ensure that AI innovations meet the needs and values of the gaming community. The company is dedicated to exploring the responsible use of AI in gaming, improving both the creation and enjoyment of interactive entertainment.

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