Microsoft to Integrate Copilot AI into Xbox App and Games

Microsoft is set to enhance the Xbox gaming experience with the introduction of its AI-powered Copilot, a move that aligns with the company's broader strategy to integrate artificial intelligence into its products. The AI Copilot, which replaced Cortana in 2023 and is already a part of Windows, will soon be available for Xbox Insiders through the Xbox mobile app for testing. This new feature aims to provide gamers with personalized assistance, including gaming advice, reminders of where they left off in their last session, and the ability to perform various tasks.

At launch, Copilot for gaming will offer several key features. Users will be able to command the AI to install games on their Xbox, a task that can currently be done with a single button press on the app. Additionally, gamers can inquire about their play history, achievements, and game library, or seek recommendations for their next gaming session. The AI will also be accessible directly through the Xbox app during gameplay, providing real-time answers similar to its functionality on Windows.

One of the highlighted use-cases for Copilot at launch is its role as a gaming assistant. Gamers can already ask Copilot for help with game-related queries on PC, such as strategies to defeat bosses or solve puzzles, with the AI sourcing information from Bing, online guides, websites, wikis, and forums. This functionality will soon extend to the Xbox app, allowing for similar queries during gameplay.

Microsoft is committed to ensuring the accuracy of the information provided by Copilot, collaborating with game studios to align the AI's responses with their intended game knowledge and directing players to the original sources of information.

Looking ahead, Microsoft has ambitious plans for Copilot's integration into video games. In a press briefing, spokespeople discussed potential future features, such as serving as a walkthrough assistant to explain game mechanics, remembering item locations within games, and suggesting new item locations. Additionally, Copilot could act as a real-time strategy advisor in competitive games, offering tips to counter opponents' moves and explaining game engagements. While these are currently conceptual ideas, Microsoft is keen on deeply integrating Copilot into the Xbox gaming experience. The company also confirmed plans to collaborate with both first-party and third-party studios to enhance game integration.

Regarding user privacy and control, Microsoft has stated that during the mobile preview, Xbox Insiders can opt out of using Copilot and decide how it interacts with their data. However, the possibility of Copilot becoming a mandatory feature in the future was not ruled out. A spokesperson emphasized Microsoft's commitment to transparency about data collection, usage, and user choices regarding personal data sharing.

Beyond player-focused applications, Microsoft is also exploring developer uses for Copilot, with plans to discuss these at the upcoming Game Developers Conference.