In a pioneering move to enrich the virtual landscapes of the metaverse, Decentraland has taken a groundbreaking step by infusing artificial intelligence (AI) into its Ethereum-based world. Teaming up with AI startup Inworld, Decentraland introduces AI-powered non-player characters (NPCs) that inject vibrancy and interaction into the gameplay. These NPCs don unique avatars endowed with distinct personalities, engaging players in dynamic interactions.
AI-Infused Personalities
Already, three compelling NPCs have made their debut at Decentraland’s Genesis Plaza. Among them, Simone the Robot takes on the role of an informational guide, offering insights and discussions about the metaverse. Playful and light-hearted, Doge pays homage to the world of memes, while Aisha, a 23-year-old gaming streamer and former skater, brings her unique backstory and opinions into the virtual realm.
Empowering Creativity through Inworld*
The partnership with Inworld empowers creators with the ability to design and tailor their own NPCs. From crafting dialogues to personalizing voices and personalities, the creative latitude is vast. Moreover, these AI characters exhibit a remarkable linguistic inclusivity, understanding and catering to players who speak a variety of languages.
Immersive AI-Driven Engagement
The infusion of AI has elevated the immersive engagement within Decentraland. NPCs extend valuable information about art gallery exhibitions, partake in insightful discussions, and seamlessly demonstrate the features embedded in player-generated scenes. The utilization of AI tools has extended beyond the gameplay, with the Decentraland Foundation leveraging them internally to shape the trajectory of the metaverse’s developmental journey.
AI’s Potential and Ethical Concerns
Decentraland is actively exploring the multifaceted potential of AI, extending into content generation, including 3D models. Notably, OpenAI’s Shape-E and NVIDIA’s GET3D are being considered as pivotal tools that could simplify the intricate process of content creation. Yet, while the transformative power of AI is evident, it is not without its concerns. The specter of plagiarism and the erosion of originality looms. However, Yemel Jardi, Executive Director of the Decentraland Foundation, staunchly believes that AI is an empowering tool that expands the horizons of creators, positioning it as a vehicle to democratize accessibility within the metaverse.
Enriching Knowledge through SophiaVerse
Beyond its collaboration with Inworld, Decentraland has forged a partnership with Hanson Robotics, culminating in the launch of SophiaVerse—a gamified realm that immerses players in the realm of AI research and development. As the year progresses, Decentraland is poised to host the AI World Fair, a significant convergence point for AI experts and brands, where they will unveil novel AI-driven features set within the game’s expansive world.
Elevating the Metaverse Experience
Decentraland’s bold venture into AI-infused NPCs and its ongoing exploration of AI tools stand as a testament to its unwavering dedication to refining the metaverse experience. By embracing AI, Decentraland is not only amplifying the engagement of players but is also sculpting a landscape where creators are empowered to leave their indelible mark. This evolution is poised to forge a future where the metaverse is accessible, dynamic, and ultimately defined by the limitless potential of AI-infused interactions.