On the podcast, Kardar introduced Copilot for Gaming, which Xbox Insiders can get an early preview of on mobile soon. This AI-driven sidekick is designed to be your personalized gaming companion, helping you get to your favorite games faster, coaching you to improve your skills, and connecting you better with your friends and communities. Copilot for Gaming will be there when you need it but out of the way if you don't.
"Gaming is the only form of entertainment where you can get stuck," said Kardar on the podcast. "So that's where you want something to show up to say, 'let's help you get past that.'"
Copilot for Gaming is built on three principles: capability, adaptability, and personalization. It is designed to assist players in various ways, from personalized game recommendations and seamless game setup, to helpful coaching and maintaining connections with friends. Kardar emphasized that the player remains in control, deciding how and when to interact with the Copilot, ensuring that it enhances rather than disrupts the gaming experience.
One of the primary problems Kardar highlighted that Copilot for Gaming aims to solve for is time management; to help players spend less time on tasks (searching, downloading, updating) and more time on what they love – playing games: "All of it is with one goal: to help you to get to play first." Whether it's connecting players with games they're likely to enjoy or reminding you where you left off on an old favorite, Copilot for Gaming is set to make gaming with Xbox more seamless and personalized.
One particularly exciting area which Kardar demonstrated on the podcast is a future feature of Copilot for Gaming: in-game assistance. In example scenarios, players were presented using natural language, where Copilot was able to provide situation-specific advice to assist players in overcoming challenges and improving their gameplay.
"It's not just about AI showing up to help you, it's about AI showing up at the right moment," Kardar elaborated. "We really have to think about the experience we've built, it cannot be intrusive."
That's why engaging with features like this will be in the control of the player, when – and if – they choose. Player feedback is crucial in this journey; through the Xbox Insider Program, players will soon be able to try it and provide feedback to help shape the product direction—beginning first on mobile and gradually expanding across devices. This collaborative approach ensures that the AI solutions developed are truly aligned with player needs and preferences and don't disrupt your flow.