Tencent has introduced the Eciyuan PC application featuring AI companions capable of watching user gameplay, reacting to on-screen events, offering tips, and maintaining voice conversations in real time.
The app is primarily aimed at those who prefer playing solo and would like to have a virtual teammate. Unlike conventional chatbots, Eciyuan offers AI characters that can follow what is happening directly during the game and take in-game context into account in their responses.
Users will be offered a choice of four characters. Each has their own appearance, personality, and set of interests. For example, one of the heroines named Shen Lubai is presented as a 24-year-old girl who dreams of becoming an esports caster. Her favorite games include Valorant, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike.
The companions will be able not only to comment on game events and suggest possible actions, but also simply to chat with the user. The developers have included the ability to discuss their interests with virtual characters and continue conversations via a mobile app, even when the player is away from the computer.
In addition, the AI characters will be able to act as interactive desktop pets. Users will be able to customize wallpapers to match the selected characters’ outfits, as well as modify their appearance and behavioral traits.
Tencent’s plans do not end there. In the future, the company intends to add a voice changer feature, as well as a special mode that allows the AI companion to speak on the user’s behalf. The latter feature could potentially come in handy, for instance, during conversations on Discord.