Sony’s AI Aloy: A Glimpse into the Future of Gaming?
Sony has unveiled a new AI technology powered by Aloy, the beloved protagonist of *Horizon Zero Dawn* and *Horizon Forbidden West*. A now-removed YouTube video showcased a realistic, AI-driven version of Aloy, demonstrating advanced facial animations and vocal responses.
The demonstration featured Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Sharwin Raghoebardajal engaging in a real-time conversation with the AI Aloy. Aloy accurately answered questions about the *Horizon* storyline, even touching on her origins as a clone, stating, “Being a clone connects me to the past, while allowing me to create my own path and future.” The conversation further delved into *Horizon Forbidden West*, with Aloy describing The Scalding Spear location.
While the AI generated realistic facial animations and responses, Aloy’s voice didn’t quite match that of voice actress Ashly Burch, sparking ethical debates surrounding AI voice acting in video games. Burch has previously advocated for protections for voice actors against the impact of AI technology.
The demonstration video was quickly removed from YouTube following a copyright claim by Muso TNT Ltd., presumably due to unauthorized content distribution.
Despite its brief appearance, Sony’s AI Aloy has ignited important discussions about the technical and ethical implications of AI in the gaming industry. This new iteration of Aloy offers a tantalizing glimpse into the potential evolution of game characters in the future.