About the talk
I’m not a game designer; I am an AI Product Manager with a psychology background who recently transitioned into the gaming industry. But I’ve spent the past several years building the AI companions Replika and Blush, which millions of people talk to every day. I’ve seen firsthand how and why people form emotional bonds with AI. In this talk, I’ll explore what the phenomenon of AI companionship can teach us about designing richer, more immersive experiences in games.
We’ll look at how advances in generative AI might enable NPCs to become interactive companions. This talk will analyze the design/UX strategies and psychological principles that make AI “friends” engaging. We will explore why people want to talk to an AI and form these connections. We’ll also dive into the ethical and safety implications of AI companions, from safeguarding users (especially younger players) against harm to preventing emotional over-dependence, and discuss best practices for responsible implementation. Hopefully, by the end of this talk, the audience will gain a nuanced understanding of AI companionship that goes beyond simplistic narratives of benefit or harm.
Takeaway
– Learn from real – world successes and failures.The audience will see what actually works and what doesn’t when creating AI characters based on lessons from AI companions. We’ll explore strategies for creating believable AI characters and learn why defining an AI’s personality and boundaries – before – you start is critical.
– Understand the psychology of player attachment. This talk will explore – why – players get attached to AI, helping to understand the human needs these companions meet like combating loneliness or practicing social skills.
– Start thinking about building AI companion experiences ethically and safely. Audience will get an idea of the real emotional implications for players and responsible design in the realm of AI Companions.
Experience level needed: Beginner