Ubisoft Bets on AI ‘Teammates’ as Financial Troubles Mount
Ubisoft is aggressively pursuing artificial intelligence (AI) technology, launching an experimental first-person shooter project, “Teammates,” in a bid to revitalize player engagement and possibly attract investors amid ongoing financial challenges. The move comes as the gaming community largely expresses skepticism toward AI-generated content.
Ubisoft’s foray into Generative AI (GenAI) takes the form of “Project teammates,” the company’s first playable research project of its kind. Built on the Snowdrop engine – also utilized in titles like The Division 2 and Star Wars Outlaws – the game allows players to command AI-controlled teammates using real-time voice commands.The core objective is to enhance the overall gaming experience, according to a company release.
Players will collaborate with an AI assistant named Jaspar, who will assist with mission objectives, offer strategic advice, and help with navigation. Complementing Jaspar are two additional AI teammates, Pablo and Sofia, capable of executing commands to solve puzzles or engage enemies through simple language input.
The growth team previously unveiled the Neo NPCs system at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in 2024. This system is designed to create non-playable characters that respond dynamically to player actions within parameters established by designers. Ubisoft has confirmed the implementation of safeguards within Neo NPCs to prevent inappropriate or erratic AI behavior. Though, a senior official stated that the features in “Teammates” are still under development and require notable refinement. Jaspar also possesses the ability to manipulate the game’s heads-up display (HUD), highlighting enemies or customizing the screen for improved accessibility.
Despite assurances that AI will not supplant human roles in game development, the timing of this investment raises concerns. Ubisoft has undergone more than 600 layoffs over the past two years, leading some to speculate that AI is being positioned as a cost-reduction measure rather than a tool for enhancing game quality.”A bot that only partially responds to a command may not be enough to revive the situation of a company facing an ongoing crisis,” one analyst noted.
Xavier Manzanares, director of GenAI gameplay at Ubisoft, anticipates that future games will demonstrate improved capabilities in understanding and responding to player input. he described “Teammates” as a preliminary example of a game experience that dynamically adapts to the player’s actions. The early release of a closed trial version is intended to provide the creative team with valuable insights for further technological development. The company has also developed an submission programming interface (API) to ensure the GenAI system operates safely and fosters creativity.
Though, the long-term viability of AI as a central component remains uncertain. Ubisoft previously made ample investments in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and the metaverse, initiatives that have yet to fully materialize.
Why, Who, What, and How did it end?
Why: Ubisoft is investing in AI (“Teammates”) to revitalize player engagement and attract investors as the company faces financial difficulties, including over 600 layoffs in the past two years. There are also fears that the integration of AI could diminish the human element within games.
Who: Ubisoft, led by Xavier Manzanares (director of genai gameplay), is the primary actor. Analysts and
