Razer unveils Project Ava: Would you be willing to pay for an AI to help you improve at video games?

Razer, a gaming hardware manufacturer, has introduced a project that has sparked divided opinions: an "AI-powered game co-pilot" aimed at enhancing players' skills in video games. With user consent, this tool takes thousands of screenshots during gameplay and provides real-time advice to optimize player performance. A marketing video from Razer claims that by analyzing millions of simulations in a matter of seconds, the AI assistant will always have answers to the toughest challenges players face.

For instance, during a demonstration of a boss fight in Black Myth: Wukong, the assistant offered various helpful tips: "Prepare to dodge when his sword spins or glows orange," "Keep a close eye on his health. Once you bring it down by 10 to 20 percent, get ready to dodge," and "If he catches you, you'll feel it!" This experience raised questions, as while it might be more convenient than consulting an external guide, it does not acknowledge or compensate the creators of such guides that serve as a foundation for training Razer’s AI, which could be disruptive; it might even be awkward for the assistant to interrupt the game's audio to provide advice.

During a live demonstration, the assistant known as Ava helped a player in League of Legends, acting as a chatbot providing recommendations on what actions to take and which spells or items to equip, all based on greater situational awareness of the game, API calls, guides, and historical data from esports team matches. Ava had access to the minimap and could identify the locations of enemy champions to offer counter-strategy suggestions, although the advice it provided in the prototype shown had a delay of several seconds.

After the match, Ava continued its role as a coach, generating replays, suggestions, and feedback on the player's performance. However, it is clear that much work is needed for this tool to be truly effective, especially if Razer aims to fulfill other ambitions related to Ava. The company envisions that Ava could automate computer setup, act as a companion in games, and take on the role of raid leader when there isn't someone willing to organize the group.

Unlike other Razer concepts that often do not materialize, the company seems committed to developing Ava and views this service as a new business opportunity. It has not awaited feedback on the idea before launching a beta, and Razer's global marketing director, David Ng, indicated that they are forming a team of AI developers to work on these ideas, with a broader announcement planned for GDC in March. Razer is developing an algorithm to suggest gaming tips and working on proprietary AI hardware to enhance the tool's performance, as well as exploring ways to compete in the AI app market that instructs players in titles like League of Legends.