Microsoft is set to enhance the Xbox gaming experience with the integration of its AI Copilot, a move that aligns with the company's broader strategy to embed artificial intelligence across its products. The AI-powered Copilot, which has already replaced Cortana in Windows, is now gearing up to assist Xbox users through the Xbox mobile app, starting with Xbox Insiders for initial testing.
Copilot for gaming will offer a range of features right from the start. Users will be able to use it to install games on their Xbox, a task currently simplified to a single button press on the app. Additionally, gamers can query Copilot about their play history, achievements, and game library, or seek recommendations for their next gaming session. The AI will also be accessible directly through the Xbox app during gameplay, providing answers in a manner similar to its current functionality on Windows.
Microsoft proof of concept image of Copilot for gaming in action.
One of the highlighted features of Copilot at launch is its role as a gaming assistant. Gamers can ask questions about game strategies, such as how to defeat a boss or solve puzzles, and Copilot will pull answers from a variety of online sources including guides, websites, wikis, and forums. This feature will soon be available on the Xbox app as well. Microsoft is committed to ensuring the accuracy of the information provided by Copilot, working closely with game studios to reflect their vision accurately and directing players to the original sources of information.
Looking ahead, Microsoft envisions even more uses for Copilot in gaming. Future possibilities include its use as a walkthrough assistant to explain game mechanics, remember the location of in-game items, or guide players to new ones. In competitive gaming, Copilot could offer real-time strategy suggestions, counter opponents' moves, or analyze past engagements. Although these are currently conceptual ideas, Microsoft's intent to deeply integrate Copilot into Xbox gameplay is clear. The company plans to collaborate not only with first-party studios but also with third-party developers to broaden Copilot's reach.
Microsoft proof of concept image of Copilot gaming in action.
Regarding privacy, Xbox Insiders participating in the preview can opt out of Copilot's features, including whether it can access their conversation history or act on their behalf. Microsoft emphasizes transparency about data collection and usage, and the choices available to players regarding their personal data. However, the possibility remains that Copilot could become a mandatory feature in the future.
Beyond player-focused applications, Microsoft is also exploring developer-focused uses of Copilot, with plans to discuss these at the upcoming Game Developers Conference.
