NC, Gave Wings to Game Imagination with 'Digital Human'

NCSoft is accelerating its artificial intelligence (AI) research to create more enjoyable games. Having established the first AI organization in the gaming industry in 2011, NCSoft is expanding its team and integrating various AI technologies into its games.

Last month, at the world's largest game developers conference, 'GDC 2023' held in San Francisco, USA, NCSoft unveiled a digital human named 'TJ Kim,' modeled after CEO Kim Taek-jin. TJ Kim attracted significant attention by perfectly replicating the CEO's facial expressions, voice, and even speech patterns.

The key difference between NCSoft's digital human and other virtual humans is the presence of 'interaction' (two-way communication). Generally, virtual humans are created by dubbing voices or producing facial expressions through graphics. NCSoft's digital human is being developed to a level where it can engage in two-way communication with users by utilizing its proprietary AI technology.

NCSoft focuses on two-way communication in digital humans to provide users with a sense of 'presence' and 'immersion.' In the massively multiplayer online (MMO) genre, games offer a higher level of enjoyment when played with others rather than alone. Continuous conversations between users and interactions based on appropriate decisions are the core of the fun.

Digital Human 'TJ Kim' Unveiled at GDC 2023

Digital humans capable of two-way communication can listen, speak, and move like real people. They can also think and decide on actions independently depending on the situation. If digital humans achieve smooth two-way communication, MMO content can deliver even greater enjoyment than it does now. NCSoft's AI research, which has been ongoing for over a decade, is directly connected to the joy games provide.

NCSoft is fully committed to developing digital humans that can naturally converse on various topics and interact with people. The research team is equipped with all the necessary technological elements for digital human development, including AI and NLP.

Jaehee Lee, CRO (Chief Research Officer) leading NCSoft's research and development, emphasized, “Interaction with digital humans can shine in game content where interaction is crucial,” and added, “NCSoft will continue to devote effort and time toward the common goal of creating digital humans that people desire.”