The first fully AI generated video game is getting rave reviews

AI’s first fully-generated video game demonstrates both the potential and current limitations of generative AI in game development, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of artificial intelligence and gaming.

The breakthrough: Oasis, a Minecraft-inspired game released by Israeli AI startup Decart and silicon design company Etched, represents the first fully AI-generated video game where each frame is created in real-time by an AI model.

• The game uses a transformer AI model trained on Minecraft gameplay footage to generate each new frame based on the previous one and user inputs
• Unlike traditional video games that rely on game engines and hand-coded rules, Oasis creates its entire visual experience through AI generation
• Players can access the game for free online, offering a unique opportunity to experience AI-generated gameplay firsthand

Technical implementation: The game leverages transformer-based AI algorithms running on specialized hardware to create a dynamic, ever-changing gaming environment.

• The AI model functions similarly to large language models but is specifically trained on Minecraft gameplay data
• Custom silicon optimization by Etched enables the real-time generation of game frames
• Players can even upload their own images for the AI to incorporate into the game environment

Unique characteristics: The AI-generated nature of Oasis creates an unstable and surreal gaming experience that sets it apart from traditional video games.

• The game world constantly shifts and morphs as the AI generates new frames
• Players have discovered they can “trick” the AI into creating new environments, including dark moonscapes
• The game features unusual artifacts like misshapen animals and nonsensical architectural elements

Expert perspectives: Gaming and AI specialists offer mixed views on Oasis’s significance and practical applications.

• NYU Professor Julian Togelius notes that while impressive, the technology is currently too inconsistent for conventional gaming applications
• Game designer Frank Lantz describes Oasis as residing in an “uncanny valley” that impacts its playability, while acknowledging its innovative nature
• The game’s viral success stems largely from players experimenting with ways to manipulate the AI system

Future implications: While Oasis may not represent a immediately viable approach for mainstream game development, it suggests interesting possibilities for the future of AI in gaming.

• The technology could potentially be applied to character control and world generation in more traditional game formats
• The project demonstrates both the creative potential and current limitations of AI in game development
• The success of this experiment may inspire future innovations in AI-driven game design

Innovation versus practicality: While Oasis represents a fascinating technical achievement, its primary value may lie in demonstrating the possibilities and challenges of AI-generated gaming experiences rather than establishing a new standard for game development.