# AI NPC Developers are using generative AI to make game characters more lifelike and immersive. By [Colin Smith](https://www.trendhunter.com/Colin96), Senior Insights Analyst | Published Jun 8, 2023 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-npc ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.7/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the AI NPC trend? **AI NPC:** Game developers are leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology to make games more immersive and less predictable. By using AI for non-player characters (NPCs), players can have more lifelike conversations with NPCs, build bonds with NPCs, and be more engaged overall. ## The consumer insight behind the AI NPC trend Escapism and immersion are two of the largest draws to gaming for many consumers. However, while gaming offers respite from busy lives, consumers often purchase many games after growing bored of one game, as games become repetitive over time. As game prices continue to rise, many consumers are unable to purchase multiple full-price games a month. There is a market for games that offer excellent immersion and escapism without in-game actions feeling repetitive and pre-written. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 30 to Jun 9, 2023 - Published: Jun 8, 2023 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Gamification](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/gamification), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Personalization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/personalization) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the AI NPC trend ### Generative AI for Immersive Gaming Game developers are leveraging generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology to make games more immersive and less predictable. ### Conversational NPCs Developers are using AI for non-player characters (NPCs), allowing players to have more lifelike conversations with NPCs, build bonds with NPCs, and be more engaged overall. ### AI Voice Technology in Gaming AI voice technology has the potential to further narrative-heavy games, eliminate bottlenecks in the development process, and allow for the creation of never-before-seen living-world gaming experiences. ## What the AI NPC trend means for industry ### For Gaming The gaming industry can leverage generative AI, conversational NPCs, and AI voice technology to create immersive and novel gaming experiences for consumers. ### For Artificial Intelligence The field of artificial intelligence can benefit from the development and application of generative AI, conversational agents, and AI voice technology, leading to more effective and natural interactions with technology. ### For Voice Technology The voice technology industry can explore the use of AI voice technologies in gaming, paving the way for new applications of voice technology in entertainment and beyond. ## Workshop question How can your brand leverage generative AI technology to create more fluidic and catered experiences for its consumers? ## Trend signals for AI NPC Trend score 3.7 out of 10, from popularity 61%, activity 35%, freshness 16%. - Popularity: 61% - Activity: 35% - Freshness: 16% ## Examples of the AI NPC trend 4 featured examples from May 30 to Jun 9, 2023. - [AI-Generated Game NPCs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/replica-studios): Replica Studios Introduces an AI-Powered Smart NPCs for Unreal Engine (Category: Tech) Implication: Replica Studios' AI-powered Smart NPCs is poised to disrupt the video game development industry, making it more accessible and affordable for smaller studios to create immersive g… - [Intelligent Game Characters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/justice-online): NetEase is Using Generative AI to Power its NPC Characters (Category: Tech) Implication: Generative AI can provide new opportunities for game developers to create more engaging and dynamic games. - [Conversational NPC Game Features](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/avatar-cloud-engine): NVIDIA's Avatar Cloud Engine Allows Gamers to Speak to NPCs (Category: Tech) Implication: The gaming industry can leverage conversational NPC technology to improve player experience and create more interactive games - [AI NPC Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/npcx): NPCx is Using Generative AI to Create Lifelike NPCs in Games (Category: Tech) Implication: The video game industry is ripe for AI-driven innovations in enhancing player experiences through more intelligent, dynamic and interactive NPCs. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Self-Cleaning Smart Vacuums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tinecos-pure-one-station-5) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)