Microsoft unveiled their new AI gaming sidekick, but do you really need it?

Microsoft just revealed Copilot for Gaming, a personal AI assistant for the Xbox ecosystem to enhance the gaming experience. Derived from Microsoft’s existing Copilot technology, the new iteration is designed to assist you by offering in-game tips, recommendations, and support, as Fatima Kardar noted on the official Xbox podcast:

Gaming is the only form of entertainment where you can get stuck. So that’s where you want something to show up to say, ‘let’s help you get past that.

While the concept is really cool, the execution is far from what we’ve expected and not that useful for some gamers. Opinions have started to pop up, and most of the gaming community isn’t keen on this new Copilot integration. Most consider that you could already do everything that Copilot for Gaming does just as easily with just a few clicks.

What can Copilot for Gaming do?

Copilot for Gaming can offer live guidance while playing a game. For example, in Overwatch 2, it can recommend character picks and review gameplay to give tips on how to improve. The AI can recap your progress and goals so you can pick up games after an interruption without any confusion.

Beyond gameplay, Copilot also offers contextual information. In Age of Empires IV, for example, it provides historical context to specific maps, enriching the gaming experience.

When will I be able to try it?

Copilot for Gaming will first be accessible via the Xbox mobile application. In April, a preview will be launched to members of the Xbox Insider program alone. The phased rollout allows Microsoft to get user feedback and refine the assistant before a broader release.

Microsoft acknowledges concerns about the validity of information provided by Copilot. To mitigate this, the company collaborates with game developers to ensure the assistant provides correct and game-appropriate suggestions. Second, Copilot draws information from publicly accessible web information through Bing’s search index, with responses being tailored based on individual player actions.

You will also be in control of Copilot’s features, enabling or disabling specific features. That way, the AI will enhance gameplay without intruding on personal preference or privacy.

Copilot for Gaming is a continuation of Microsoft’s drive to integrate AI technologies into its products. With tailored assistance, Microsoft can enhance player engagement and accessibility, which can potentially be the new standard for AI integration for games.

Your input during the preview phase will be instrumental in shaping the evolution of Copilot, and future releases could add additional features and support for more devices.