A leaked internal video indicates that Sony is currently testing AI-enhanced characters for the PlayStation platform.

The Verge reported on the emergence of an internal presentation, reportedly from PlayStation Studios' advanced technology group, which features Aloy from the Horizon series to showcase AI-driven in-game characters.

Following a copyright claim from Muso—an online enforcement firm that, according to The Verge, counts Sony Interactive Entertainment among its clients—the video was removed from YouTube. This removal lends credibility to the leak. IGN has reached out to Sony for a statement.

As detailed by The Verge, the video shows Sony Interactive Entertainment director of software engineering, Sharwin Raghoebardajal, conversing with an AI-powered Aloy using voice commands, AI-generated speech, and automated facial expressions.

The system employs OpenAI’s Whisper for speech-to-text, GPT-4 and Llama 3 for conversation and decision logic, Sony’s Emotional Voice Synthesis (EVS) for voice generation, and its Mockingbird technology for facial animation.

During the demonstration, Raghoebardajal asks Aloy how she is feeling. She responds: "Hello, I'm getting by. Just struggling with a bit of a sore throat. How have you been?"

The voice coming from Aloy is not performed by Ashly Burch, the actor who originally portrays the character. Instead, it uses a synthesized tone, similar to automated text-to-speech tools common in social media content. In the demo, Aloy’s facial motions appear rigid and her eyes lack expressiveness as she interacts.

When questioned about her search for her mother, Aloy replies: "I learned that I am a clone of Dr. Elizabeth Sobeck, which helped me understand my origins and purpose."

Asked how it feels to be a clone, she says: "Being a clone feels distinctive—it ties me to the past while giving me the freedom to shape my own journey and future."

The demo then shifts into the actual game environment of Horizon Forbidden West, where Raghoebardajal continues his dialogue while playing. It feels somewhat unusual to see the player speaking with the character they control, especially given the narrative context of the Horizon series, which adds an ironic twist to the use of Aloy as an AI-powered PlayStation figure.

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According to the video, this prototype was created in collaboration with Horizon developer Guerrilla Games to showcase the technology internally at Sony. “This is just a glimpse of what is possible,” Raghoebardajal states in the footage. While the demo reflects Sony’s investment in exploring AI for PlayStation characters, the company has not confirmed any official integration into public products, nor is it clear if such features are feasible for current PS5 titles.

This internal effort is not entirely unexpected, as nearly all major players in the video game industry are investigating some form of AI technology. For instance, Microsoft, the maker of Xbox, is heavily committed to AI and recently unveiled Muse, an AI system designed to brainstorm game design ideas.

Generative AI remains one of the most discussed subjects in gaming and entertainment—sectors that have faced significant layoffs in recent years. However, the technology has drawn criticism from players and creators alike over ethical concerns, rights issues, and its inability to consistently deliver content that resonates with audiences. For example, Keywords Studios attempted to develop an experimental game entirely with AI. The project ultimately failed, with the studio informing investors that AI could “not replace human talent.”

In September, EA referred to AI as “the very core” of its operations, while Capcom more recently stated it is experimenting with generative AI to generate the vast quantity of ideas required for detailed in-game environments.

Asad Qizilbash, head of PlayStation Productions and head of product at PlayStation Studios, also commented on AI, suggesting that its integration into games is especially relevant for Gen Z and Gen Alpha players, who value “personalization across everything.”

“For example, NPCs could interact dynamically based on player behavior, making the experience feel more individualized,” Qizilbash explained. “This appeals to younger audiences who have grown up in a digital world and expect tailored, meaningful interactions.”

Activision recently acknowledged using generative AI for certain assets in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, following criticism over an “AI-generated” zombie Santa loading screen.