Sony’s AI Aloy: Betraying Horizon’s Anti-AI Message?

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This week, Sony generated buzz following a report from The Verge that they are developing AI chatbots. Given the current hype surrounding artificial intelligence, it’s not unexpected that Sony is exploring this technology. However, what stands out is their incorporation of Aloy, a demo character from the Horizon series, in their project. Although Horizon is a relatively recent intellectual property for Sony compared to its extensive history, it has gained significant traction since its 2017 launch with Horizon Zero Dawn.

A confidential source leaked Sony’s experimental AI chat model tests to The Verge, providing a glimpse into potential features for gamers. The related video was subsequently taken down from YouTube due to copyright infringement, but the information has since circulated online. Given that Aloy is a significant character in Sony’s contemporary exclusive titles, her inclusion isn’t entirely surprising. However, it’s equally perplexing because this move contradicts the core concept of the Horizon series.

Sony’s AI Chat Model Test Turns Alot Into Her Own Worst Enemy

The Horizon Franchise’s Lore Centers Around AI

  • Horizon takes place centuries after a rogue AI has destroyed civilization via giant metal machines.

As a fan, I find it intriguing to ponder over the narrative arc of “Horizon”. Essentially, it’s a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unbridled AI development. It’s quite thought-provoking when you consider Aloy as the protagonist in Sony’s tech demonstration. Given the wealth of unique characters within the Sony universe, one might wonder why Aloy was chosen for this particular demo. Characters like Kratos, Astro Bot, Ratchet & Clank, or even Spider-Man could have been used, but Aloy’s inclusion adds a touch of eeriness to the now-deleted video.

It’s possible that Sony is capitalizing on the growing popularity of the “Horizon” franchise, which they’ve been actively promoting through planned spin-offs and a live-action movie adaptation. This tech demo could be an extension of their marketing strategy for the franchise.

Nevertheless, although this expansion might be an extension of Sony’s desire for more Horizon stories, it doesn’t make it any less problematic for the franchise’s overall narrative. In essence, the demo seems to overlook a significant aspect as Aloy appears to transform into what she has been battling in Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West.

In the year 3040, the plot unfolds for the Horizon series. The initial installment predominantly focuses on locations that used to be Colorado and Utah. However, the subsequent title delves into Utah, Nevada, and California.

Sony’s AI Model Ambitions Remain Mysterious

As a devoted fan, I must admit that my curiosity is piqued about Sony’s plans for these AI chatbots. The realm of AI has been a hot topic of debate lately, and I can hardly wait to see how players react if they indeed become official. This prototype certainly stirs up questions about its potential applications. Will it be an added bonus for future PlayStation generations, or could it play a role in the gameplay itself, sparking controversy? Only time will tell!

The general plot of Horizon is essentially a warning about the dangers of unchecked AI.

As reported by The Verge, Sony’s AI chat models engage in dialogue using a combination of GPT-4 and Llama 3 technologies.

Time will reveal whether Sony decides to implement this concept or not. While it could just serve as an impressive tech demonstration, it wouldn’t be unusual if they planned to incorporate this into their future console offerings and games. This development also triggers questions about potential impacts on voice actors, game developers, and the gaming community in general. At present, utilizing Aloy to demonstrate AI might not resonate positively with fans who deeply connect with the Horizon series’ core messages. However, how things unfold is yet to be determined.

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2025-03-14 21:24