Microsoft Will Soon Integrate its Copilot AI Into the Xbox App — and Eventually Into Your Xbox Games

Microsoft is set to enhance the Xbox gaming experience with the introduction of its AI-powered Copilot, an initiative that aligns with their broader goal of integrating artificial intelligence across their products. This new feature, dubbed Copilot for Gaming, will initially be available to Xbox Insiders for testing via the Xbox mobile app. Copilot, which replaced Cortana in 2023, is already integrated into Windows and will now bring its capabilities to the gaming world.

At launch, Copilot for Gaming will offer several features to enhance your gaming experience. You'll be able to request game installations on your Xbox directly through the app, a function that is currently straightforward but will be made even more convenient. Additionally, you can inquire about your play history, achievements, and game library, or seek recommendations for your next gaming session. The AI will also be accessible while playing, providing answers in real-time much like it does on Windows.

One of the key highlights touted by Microsoft is Copilot's role as a gaming assistant. Currently, on PC, you can ask Copilot for tips on beating bosses or solving puzzles, with answers sourced from Bing's extensive database of guides, websites, wikis, and forums. This feature will soon be extended to the Xbox app, allowing gamers to seek help directly from their mobile devices. Microsoft is committed to ensuring the accuracy of the information provided by Copilot, collaborating with game studios to align the AI's responses with the developers' visions and directing users back to the original sources of the information.

Microsoft's vision for Copilot doesn't stop at these initial features. In a press briefing, spokespeople discussed potential future uses, including serving as a walkthrough assistant to explain basic game mechanics, remembering item locations within games, or suggesting where to find new items. For competitive games, Copilot could offer real-time strategy suggestions and tips to counter opponents' moves or analyze past engagements. While these ideas are still in the conceptual phase, Microsoft is keen on deeply integrating Copilot into the Xbox gaming ecosystem, and plans to collaborate with both first-party and third-party studios.

Regarding user privacy and control, Xbox Insiders will have the option to opt out of using Copilot during the preview phase. However, Microsoft has hinted that Copilot might become a mandatory feature in the future. A spokesperson emphasized transparency about data collection and usage, ensuring players have choices regarding their personal data.

Beyond player-focused applications, Microsoft is also exploring how Copilot can benefit game developers. More details on these plans will be shared at the upcoming Game Developers Conference.