KRAFTON and NVIDIA Unveil AI-Powered Co-Playable Characters at CES 2025

KRAFTON and NVIDIA Collaborate on AI-Powered Gaming Innovation

At CES 2025 in Las Vegas, KRAFTON unveiled a groundbreaking AI technology called Co-Playable Characters (CPCs), developed in collaboration with NVIDIA. This innovation marks a significant milestone in the gaming industry, combining KRAFTON's game development expertise with NVIDIA's cutting-edge AI technology 1

1

Understanding Co-Playable Characters

CPCs are AI companions designed to interact with gamers in a more sophisticated manner than traditional Non-Player Characters (NPCs). Powered by NVIDIA ACE technology, these characters utilize an on-device Small Language Model (SLM) for gaming, enabling them to engage in real-time conversations, adapt strategies, and respond flexibly to in-game scenarios 2

2

Implementation in KRAFTON's Game Portfolio

KRAFTON plans to integrate CPC technology across its gaming portfolio, including the PUBG IP Franchise and inZOI. In PUBG, a CPC named 'PUBG Ally' was demonstrated, capable of engaging in casual conversations and adapting strategies to align with user dynamics. For inZOI, a life simulation game, 'Smart Zoi' was showcased, featuring distinct personality traits and emotional depth for highly immersive experiences 3

3

Technical Advancements and AI Integration

Since establishing its Deep Learning Division in 2022, KRAFTON has made significant strides in AI technology. The company has secured core AI technologies including Natural Language Processing, 3D Vision & Animation, Voice Synthesis, Reinforcement Learning, and Multi-modal Learning. KRAFTON's R&D competitiveness is evident from its presentations at international AI conferences such as NeurIPS, ICML, and ICLR 1

1

Related Stories

Krafton and Nvidia Unveil AI-Powered 'Co-Playable Characters' for PUBG and inZOI

NVIDIA ACE AI teammates arrive in PUBG as two-week beta tests Co-Playable Characters

Krafton names new AI chief who says tech will amplify creativity, months after hiring freeze

Krafton Embraces AI: PUBG Maker Announces Radical 'AI-First' Strategy

Industry Impact and Future Prospects

The collaboration between KRAFTON and NVIDIA represents a significant step towards transforming gaming experiences. Keita Iida, Vice President of Developer Relations at NVIDIA, emphasized that AI is changing how games are created and played. The integration of NVIDIA ACE technology into KRAFTON's live games is expected to unlock new, unique experiences for players 4

4

Hands-On Demonstrations at CES 2025

During CES 2025, KRAFTON and NVIDIA set up demonstrations allowing attendees to experience CPC-integrated gameplay firsthand. These demos showcased the practical applications and potential of this AI technology in enhancing user experiences across various game titles 3

3