NC introduces AI technology in new console title 'Project M'

NCSoft released a developer commentary video titled "DevTalks" for its new console title, Project M, on the 20th.

Project M is an action-adventure game based on interactive communication, where the story changes and expands according to the information acquired by the player, centered around an immersive world. NCSoft previously unveiled a trailer for Project M featuring a digital human at the Game Developers Conference (GDC 2023) held in San Francisco, USA, in February.

In this video, Development PD Yuseung Hyun personally explained the current development status of Project M and the visual R&D and AI technologies featured in the GDC trailer. PD Yuseung Hyun stated about the development status and direction of Project M, "We are creating a world based on reality but enhanced with the developers' imagination," adding, "All gameplay is organically connected, and we are developing with the goal of enhancing immersion and realistic experiences within the game."

The high-quality graphics of Project M revealed in the trailer comprehensively incorporate NCSoft's visual R&D. The game is being developed with photorealistic graphics by applying proprietary technologies such as 3D scanning, motion capture, and VFX (visual effects), along with new technologies from Unreal Engine 5 like Nanite, Virtual Shadow Maps, and Lumen.

A scene recreating an alleyway in Seoul attracted attention for its photorealistic depiction of various building exteriors and objects. PD Yuseung Hyun explained, "The alleyway, hospital, and secret base scenes featured in the trailer are not just resources for video production but actual playable builds that all users can directly play."

AI technology is also utilized in the development of Project M. AI voice and facial animation technologies used to create the digital human in the trailer are being applied to game development. PD Yuseung Hyun said, "To deliver a vivid story, many NPCs capable of appropriate interactions and acting rhythms are needed," and added, "We are working on applying AI technologies that can improve development efficiency into the game development pipeline."

He also shared plans currently under testing. Action combat and TPS (third-person shooter) modes designed to enhance immersion are being planned and tested.