Microsoft and Xbox have announced a new generative AI technology known as Muse that could help with game preservation.

Microsoft has introduced Muse, a generative AI model developed in collaboration with Xbox Game Studios’ Ninja Theory. Muse is designed to assist in game development by generating visuals and predicting player interactions, thereby streamlining the creative process.

One of the key applications of Muse is in game preservation. By analyzing classic titles, Muse aims to optimize them for modern hardware, potentially making older games accessible on current devices. Fatima Kardar, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Gaming AI, highlighted the potential of playing beloved old games on current screens.

However, the introduction of Muse has sparked skepticism among developers. Some argue that generative AI could devalue the years of aesthetic effort by game developers and artists, reducing craft and threatening job security. An anonymous AAA developer criticized Microsoft’s internal focus on AI over the concerns of the actual game development community.

Despite these concerns, Microsoft emphasizes that Muse is intended to complement human creativity, not replace it. The company plans to experiment with AI tools and open them to developers and players, ensuring that the integration of AI aligns with the creative vision of each game.