AI-Powered NPCs Coming to PUBG

PUBG: Battlegrounds is set to revolutionize the gaming experience by introducing non-player characters (NPCs) that are powered by NVIDIA ACE generative AI. These innovative PUBG Allies, referred to as Co-Playable Characters, will engage players in real-time conversations about the dynamics of the match. Not only will they converse, but they will also adjust their gameplay and strategies to align with the player’s style, enhancing collaboration and immersion. This groundbreaking technology was showcased by Krafton, the publisher behind the battle royale sensation, during the CES 2025 event, marking a significant step forward in interactive gaming.

Kangwook Lee, the head of Krafton’s deep learning division, expressed the company’s commitment to enhancing user experiences, stating, “We will continue to innovate user experiences by integrating CPC into our games and aim to establish it as a benchmark for the gaming industry.” In addition to PUBG, Krafton is also set to release the upcoming life simulator inZOI, which also featured a demonstration of a Co-Playable Character at CES. This reflects the company’s broader vision of embedding advanced AI features across multiple genres of gaming, thus enriching player engagement.

During Computex 2023, NVIDIA unveiled its cutting-edge generative AI technology, known as the Avatar Cloud Engine. This technology is not only being integrated into PUBG but is also featured in the multiplayer game Mecha BREAK, which was highlighted at Gamescom last year. Krafton’s games leverage on-device small language models developed with NVIDIA ACE, promoting a seamless and responsive gaming experience. However, the publisher has yet to announce when players can expect the rollout of these innovative Co-Playable Characters, leaving fans eagerly anticipating further updates.