Gaming | August 17, 2023
On August 2nd, mod creator Bloc uploaded a new story for Grand Theft Auto V to NexusMods, which is being covered by international media outlets like VGC. The noteworthy aspect is not just that it’s a new campaign, but rather how its dialogues function: players can directly speak through their microphone to the in-game characters, thanks to an artificial intelligence system.
This isn’t the first time Bloc has toyed with integrating voice-driven conversations executed by AI into existing video games; they previously did so in Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. However, this time they’ve taken it further, with over 30 AI models that “allow players to have open conversations in real time.” You can see the mod, called Sentient Streets, in action in the following video (starting from the 2:58 mark).
The modder explains that this feature allows players to take “role-playing to the next level […] with the residents of Los Santos.” All of this takes place in a short story where players take on the role of a police officer who must investigate a cult, for which they must first select one of the three available partners to work on the case.
“Embrace the freedom to make decisions, use persuasive tactics to defuse tense situations, and employ innovative strategies to extract critical information from criminals,” reads the mod’s page. “For instance, if you wish, you can even explore the path of corruption and accept bribes. However, keep in mind that your partner will take note of your actions, which may have lasting consequences.”
The explosion of generative artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT and Midjourney, is gradually making its way into the gaming industry, with broad implications for the medium’s culture and industry. Square Enix released a free visual novel on Steam that allows direct conversations with characters, although it has numerous errors. Even more impressive is Nvidia ACE, a technology from the graphics card manufacturer that will enable improvised dubbed dialogues.
