Inarguably, AI was the big news of 2023 and spilled over into CES 2024 (related: Didn’t Go? It’s OK, Here’s Why I Stopped Following and Covering CES) in a big way, including the whole concept of AI companionship.
These companions raised from creepy, face-only versions of the robot played by Robin Williams in the movie Bicentennial Man to adult companions that can, well, use your imagination.
Here’s a news flash that isn’t really news: playing games with others is fun … apparently, even if that “other” is a robot.
The researchers also developed a system that adapts the content of the game that a human user and robot and playing, for instance by changing the game characters and what they are doing. As the game progresses, the robot can say things that are aligned with what is happening at the time, while retaining a friendly tone.
A robot that can play video games with humans (techxplore.com)
Had to ask myself if I would rather play against a robot or alone? Am not all anti-robot or anything, but give me “no, I’ll play alone” for $100, Alec.
No, I don’t want some robot gaming buddy. Or a pet that’s a robot. At least not a super crude one that looks like something that went wrong in a car crusher with some rubber face made to look human.
Now, if someone rolls out the T-1000 or Robocop or some really cool robot to play games with? Get me to that future, now.
What about you? Would you want to be side by side with a robot holding a game controller? We’re not talking about AI opponents or as co-op inside a game — that’s old news — we’re talking about a real life, sit next to you and play robot companion.
Personally, no. I’d rather play by, or is it, with myself. I can see a scenario where someone may prefer a robot. Online with other humans is not always enjoyable and some just do not interact well with other people. Granted, going down a path like this leads to less interaction with other people, which is a whole different topic.