Microsoft to Integrate Copilot AI into Xbox App and Games

As part of Microsoft's continuous drive to integrate artificial intelligence into its products, the company is set to enhance the Xbox experience with its AI Copilot. This tool, designed to provide gaming advice, help players recall their last gaming session, and perform various other functions, will soon be available for testing among Xbox Insiders via the Xbox mobile app.

Originally replacing Cortana in 2023, Copilot is Microsoft's AI chatbot already integrated into Windows. The gaming version, launching with a set of initial features, will allow users to install games remotely, inquire about their gaming history, check achievements, browse their game library, or seek recommendations for their next game. Users can interact with Copilot for Gaming directly through the Xbox app while playing, receiving responses similar to those provided by the Windows version.

A significant feature highlighted by Microsoft at launch is Copilot's role as a gaming assistant. Currently, users can ask Copilot gaming-related questions on PC, such as strategies to defeat bosses or solve puzzles, with the AI sourcing answers from Bing, online guides, websites, wikis, and forums. Soon, this capability will extend to the Xbox app.

"Our goal is to have Copilot for Gaming source the most accurate game knowledge — so we are working with game studios to make sure the information Copilot surfaces reflects their vision, and Copilot will refer players back to the original source of the information," Microsoft stated.

Microsoft has plans to expand Copilot's functionality beyond its initial offerings. During a press briefing, spokespeople discussed potential future uses, such as serving as a walkthrough assistant to explain game mechanics, reminding players where they left items in games, or locating new items. In competitive settings, Copilot could offer real-time strategy suggestions and tips to counter opponents' moves or analyze past engagements. While these are currently exploratory ideas, Microsoft is committed to integrating Copilot more deeply into Xbox gameplay. The company also confirmed intentions to collaborate with both first-party and third-party studios for broader game integration.

When questioned about user control over Copilot, Microsoft clarified that during the mobile preview, Xbox Insiders can opt out and control how they interact with Copilot, including access to conversation history and the actions it performs on their behalf. However, the company hinted that Copilot might become mandatory in the future.

"During this preview on mobile, players will be able to decide how and when they want to interact with Copilot for Gaming, whether it has access to their conversation history, and what it does on their behalf," a spokesperson explained.

"As we preview and test Copilot for Gaming with players early, we will continue to be transparent about what data we collect, how we use it, and the choices players have around sharing their personal data."

Furthermore, IGN has learned that Microsoft's vision for Copilot extends beyond player interactions. The company will discuss plans for developer use at the upcoming Game Developers Conference on Monday next week.