Microsoft to Integrate Copilot AI into Xbox App and Games

Microsoft is set to enhance the Xbox gaming experience by integrating its AI Copilot, a tool designed to offer gaming advice, remind players of their last session's progress, and perform other useful tasks. Announced recently, this feature will initially be available for Xbox Insiders to test through the Xbox mobile app. For those unfamiliar, Copilot is Microsoft's AI chatbot that succeeded Cortana in 2023 and is already integrated into Windows. The gaming-specific version of Copilot will launch with several key features, including the ability to install games on your Xbox and provide information about your gaming history, achievements, and library. It will also offer game recommendations and can be interacted with directly on the Xbox app during gameplay, responding in a manner similar to its Windows counterpart.

One of the standout features at launch is Copilot's role as a gaming assistant. It can answer questions about games, such as strategies for defeating bosses or solving puzzles, by sourcing information from Bing, which aggregates data from various online 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, collaborating with game studios to align the AI's responses with the studios' intended game knowledge and directing players to the original sources of information.

Looking ahead, Microsoft has ambitious plans for Copilot in gaming. In a press briefing, spokespeople discussed potential future applications, such as serving as a walkthrough assistant to explain basic game functions, tracking in-game items, and providing real-time strategy tips during competitive play. These ideas are still in the exploratory phase, but Microsoft is keen on integrating Copilot seamlessly into regular Xbox gameplay. The company also confirmed plans to work with both first-party and third-party studios to enhance game integration.

Regarding user control and privacy, Microsoft has stated that during the preview phase on mobile, Xbox Insiders will have the option to manage their interactions with Copilot, including access to conversation history and the actions it performs on their behalf. While opting out is currently available, Microsoft hinted at the possibility of Copilot becoming a mandatory feature in the future. The company emphasized its commitment to transparency about data collection and usage, ensuring players are informed about their data-sharing choices.

Beyond player-focused applications, Microsoft will also explore developer uses for Copilot, with more details to be shared at the upcoming Game Developers Conference.