Study: 95% of players enjoyed Meaning Machine’s generative AI NPCs

Meaning Machine develops generative AI-powered NPCs and highlights a "Battle Banter" tool it calls a "Game Conscious™" system that "gives NPCs the ability to deliver reactive dialogue in response to real-time gameplay." The studio’s game Dead Meat lets players interrogate characters by microphone or keyboard, with NPCs replying in custom, slightly offputting AI voices.

In a study run with the University Of Bristol, 68 participants played Dead Meat for 20 minutes each. The study found 95% of participants "found the experience enjoyable", 97% found it rewarding, and 75% felt the games let them "express themselves or make meaningful choices".

Lead researcher Dr Richard Cole said the work "helps to ground what is otherwise quite an emotionally charged debate about AI in games" by putting players at the centre of the discussion. Meaning Machine co-founder Thomas Keane added, "Players kick back at AI that is taking away from creativity.

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