PUBG Devs Creating “Virtual Humans” As NPCs

Krafton, the developers of the overwhelming Battle Royale sensation PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (or PUBG for short), have recently revealed their latest upcoming technology to mimic or create “virtual humans” as video games NPCs. Using a combination of Artificial Intelligence as well as working some magic with the Unreal Engine, these virtual humans are supposedly “barely distinguishable” from real-life actors. 

These CGI actors are supposed to be “able to convey deeply-expressive and nuanced emotions” using “hyper-realism technology to create a digital character barely distinguishable from the real world.” This technology will be used in Krafton’s future titles, including their upcoming Sci-fi horror game The Callisto Protocol, a project backed by talent from EA’s iconic horror shooter franchise “Dead Space,” as well as PUBG itself. 

Another exciting aspect mentioned by Krafton is that this technology will be used to create “game characters, esports, and virtual influencers/entertainers” and that players will someday even be able to speak to the NPCs directly. A current version of this technology was also featured in the latest cinematic trailer for PUBG, shown only a few weeks ago. 

Whatever this project may entail, with games having characters that already look near life-like, it is only to be expected that the next step for facial technology involves CGI actors made with the help of Artificial Intelligence.

PUBG also continues to be a giant in the gaming industry as it remains one of the most popular titles in the mobile market. The game has also experienced a massive surge in popularity, with the game finally going Free-To-Play on Steam and reaching an entirely new market of players who will be experiencing it for the first time. Needless to say, this is exciting news for the next gen of gaming. We would love to know your thoughts on this matter, and are you looking forward to it?