Meta intends to introduce artificial intelligence technologies into virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (VR, AR) games as part of its efforts to revitalize its metaverse project and update its AI-powered gaming content. This move aims to revive the company’s metaverse strategy, which has recently faced difficulties and a lack of interest from users, as well as operating losses.
According to published vacancies, Meta is looking for specialists to develop games using generative AI. It is planned to create games that will be updated every time they are launched, following a “non-deterministic” algorithm, in which the same plot will be presented in new versions every time, TechCrunch reports.
Focus on the Horizon Platform
The main focus will be on the Horizon platform – a family of games, applications, and tools for creating the Meta metaverse. However, the company does not rule out the possibility of expanding these technologies to other platforms, including smartphones and PCs. Additionally, Meta aims to collaborate with other companies to create generative AI tools to speed up game production.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has a personal interest in developing games for the Quest headsets, which has led to increased investment in Metaverse gaming projects. But he cautioned that it will be years before the company can monetize generative AI, hinting that the investment won’t quickly turn around the financial health of Reality Labs, Meta’s virtual and augmented reality hardware and software division.
Generative AI’s Potential and Challenges
Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s CTO and head of Reality Labs, highlights the potential of generative AI to create content for the metaverse. These tools can level the playing field and give small development teams the capabilities of large studios, he says. However, despite its ambitious plans, Meta is unable to attract users to its Horizon mixed reality platform, and the Reality Labs division responsible for Metaverse projects continues to incur significant losses.
In general, the introduction of generative AI into the gaming industry has received mixed reactions, notes NIX Solutions. Some developers fear for their jobs, while companies like Inworld and Artificial Agency are already using the technology to create more dynamic game dialogue and stories. Meta, in turn, continues to invest billions of dollars in the development of generative AI, forming a new team focused on creating products using this technology, including the production of AI-powered advertising.
We’ll keep you updated on Meta’s progress as it continues to push the boundaries of generative AI in gaming and the metaverse.