Revolutionizing Gaming: KRAFTON Unveils AI-Powered ‘Co-Playable Characters’ at CES 2025
LAS VEGAS — At CES 2025, KRAFTON took center stage with an impressive demonstration of their latest innovation: the ‘Co-Playable Character’ (CPC), developed in collaboration with NVIDIA using their advanced ACE technologies. This cutting-edge AI is set to redefine the landscape of gaming by transforming how players interact with non-player characters (NPCs).
What is CPC?
CPC represents a new era in NPC development, utilizing generative AI to bring characters to life with unprecedented realism and adaptability. Unlike traditional NPCs, which follow pre-set scripts and actions, CPCs are designed to engage in real-time, dynamic interactions. This includes conversational dialogues, strategic cooperation, and responses that evolve based on the gaming scenario and player behavior.
The Role of NVIDIA ACE
NVIDIA’s ACE technology is at the heart of this innovation, providing the computational power necessary to run sophisticated AI models directly on gaming devices. This ensures that CPCs can operate seamlessly, offering a fluid, immersive player experience without the need for constant cloud connectivity.
Immersive Gameplay Demonstrations
During the event, KRAFTON showcased how CPC technology is being integrated into popular gaming franchises such as PUBG and inZOI. Attendees were treated to demos featuring ‘PUBG Ally,’ a CPC capable of engaging in casual conversations and adapting its role according to player strategies. Similarly, ‘Smart Zoi’ in inZOI was designed with unique personality traits, allowing for emotionally rich interactions that deepen the player’s connection to the game world.
Industry Implications
Kangwook Lee, Head of the Deep Learning Division at KRAFTON, emphasized the transformative potential of CPCs, stating, “This technology marks a significant leap forward in gaming, enabling NPCs to become more than just background elements. They are now active participants in the gaming narrative, contributing to a more engaging and personalized gaming experience.”
Lee also highlighted KRAFTON’s commitment to expanding the reach of CPC technology across its gaming portfolio, setting a new benchmark for the industry. The collaboration with NVIDIA underscores the power of AI in enhancing user experiences and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in interactive entertainment.
Looking Ahead
As gaming continues to evolve with AI, CPCs represent a glimpse into the future where virtual characters can think, respond, and interact with players in ways previously confined to the realm of science fiction. This innovation not only enhances gameplay but also paves the way for more complex and immersive gaming narratives, offering players a deeper connection to the virtual worlds they explore.
KRAFTON’s showcase at CES 2025 is a testament to the rapidly advancing capabilities of AI in gaming, promising a future where interactive experiences are limited only by the imagination of developers and the technology at their disposal.
