AI That Plays Minecraft? Possible, though not ProbableAI That Plays Minecraft? Possible, though not Probable
AI is gaining a lot of traction these days. Especially after ChatGPT revolutionized the creative world as we know it, businesses across the globe are looking for ways to incorporate AI in their day-to-day operations, entrepreneurial projects, and product and service development.
So how about applying AI in PC gaming? Sure enough, almost every game out there offers an autoplay option. In addition, many gaming products provide a variety of advanced automated features. However, automation is by far not the same as applying genuine, elaborate AI.
The latter is precisely what Microsoft has allegedly done to Minecraft. Reports say the company has been testing a demo, where AI plays this fascinating, all-time favorite game. How is that possible, you might ask. Let me tell you.
AI Doing the Gaming for You
According to various reputable sources in the gaming world, Microsoft has been testing AI technology that allows you to simply tell Minecraft what to do. Based on this, you can perform tasks like collecting resources, controlling your character, and other game-specific activities. If you do not know how to play Minecraft yet, please find a recent and complete guide in the video below:
While this news quite literally sounds all fun and games, there might be a few challenges along the way. The open nature of Minecraft is one of them. For instance, building a certain object within the game can be done in a variety of ways depending on the materials you have at hand. That is why you might want to be very specific.
Is It Worth It, Though?
I bet there are many of you, dear readers, who are asking themselves right now, is it worth it having AI play one of the most delightful PC games ever when you could be doing that yourself? I mean, from the side, it may look like the AI is taking away from the experience. To some extent, it might undoubtedly be so. However, certain groups of gamers may actually benefit from integrating AI into PC gaming products.
Who Can Benefit from AI Playing PC Games?
Indeed, incorporating AI may seriously benefit gamers who are unable to play the traditional way. This means they cannot use the PC controllers or mouse and keyboard. Using AI to play the game in this case will be a real breakthrough and will make Minecraft and PC gaming more accessible in general. Here is my personal list of the top 3 other PC games that might benefit from using AI:
- Dota 2
- FIFA Football
- Call of Duty
So, Is It Happening?
To be honest, this is not the first time I have heard of AI testing on PC games. While gaming companies prefer to keep it quiet, there have been reports on similar approaches to many other popular products from the genre. For now, however, nothing has been made official, so I am on the lookout and will keep you updated as gaming technology develops.
Minecraft: One of the Most Iconic PC Games Ever
Minecraft is one of the most legendary PC games ever developed that keeps constantly evolving and gaining millions of fans worldwide. It is a sandbox game that first entered the scene in 2009. Even before it was fully released in November 2011, this Java programming language-based product gained a massive following worldwide thanks to its fascinating gameplay.
The game’s author is Markus “Notch” Persson from Mojang Studios. Later on, Notch stepped down, and Jens “Jeb” Bergensten took over Minecraft’s development. Since its early days, Minecraft has become the best-selling PC game. As of 2021, reports show close to 250 million copies of the game sold and over 140 million active players.
Thanks to its huge appeal, Minecraft has been ported to numerous platforms. A little-known fact is that the game has been used in education to teach disciplines like computer science, chemistry, computer design, and more.
PC giants were quick to recognize the product’s popularity and impact. That is how in 2014, Microsoft bought the Mojang and Minecraft intellectual property. The deal was estimated at a record $2.5 billion. This acquisition further added to the game’s overall appeal. Microsoft has been developing multiple spin-offs like Minecraft Earth, Minecraft Dungeons, Minecraft Story Mode, and Minecraft Legends.
Those of you who are fancon enthusiasts should know that there are annual Minecon events in several parts of the world. Minecraft merchandise is also widely available in most countries. The game has its own social media channels and massive marketing and PR initiatives.
READ MOREREAD MORE