Ava Brooks 
Apr 03, 2024
Microsoft is reportedly in the process of developing an AI-based chatbot for Xbox, aimed at streamlining the process for game refunds and addressing customer support inquiries.
According to reports from The Verge, which cited sources close to Microsoft, this new chatbot — temporarily dubbed "Xbot" — is a key element in Microsoft's broader strategy to integrate AI into its Xbox offerings. Currently undergoing internal testing, this AI assistant is designed to efficiently handle support requests from Xbox users, starting conversations with the prompt: "How can I help you today?"
In a related development, the Xbox Game Pass has introduced Lego 2K Drive and other titles, while PS Plus is set to add Tales of Kenzera and Dave the Diver.
Xbox’s general manager of gaming AI, Haiyan Zhang, shared insights with The Verge: “We are trialling an Xbox Support Virtual Agent, an animated prototype that interacts with users on Xbox Support topics either through voice or text.” This prototype enhances the user experience by providing quick support through natural language processing, drawing on existing Xbox Support resources.
This innovative Xbot is linked to Microsoft's support documents for Xbox and is capable of processing game refund requests. An internal description at Microsoft characterizes the chatbot as a reliable source for Xbox support queries.
The Xbox community has quickly embraced the "Xbot" name, paying homage to Microsoft's dedicated fan base.
Microsoft's investment in AI technology has been ongoing. Last year, the company announced a partnership with Inworld AI to develop a versatile toolset for game creators, harnessing the power of AI to expedite game production and enrich gaming worlds and narratives.
Inworld AI CEO Ilya Gelfenbeyn expressed the potential of this collaboration in a blog post, envisioning an AI copilot that assists game developers by transforming creative concepts into comprehensive game elements like scripts, dialogue trees, and quests.
