[AI Revolution](30) Nexon Unveils AI Technology to Foster a Healthy Gaming Ecosystem

AI research by game companies is not unfamiliar. AI technology is a core element that makes games more enjoyable. The level of AI technology can determine the success or failure of a game. AI technology is considered a key asset of game companies. However, Nexon has decided to disclose its AI technology to competitors. This is to foster a better gaming ecosystem.

The Core of Nexon's AI Technology: ‘Intelligence Labs’

Nexon, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year, possesses top-tier AI technology in South Korea. Established in April 2017, Intelligence Labs is fully dedicated to developing Nexon's AI technology. The goal of Intelligence Labs is not only to advance auxiliary functions applied to games but also to develop and apply systems utilizing machine learning and deep learning technologies.

Intelligence Labs uses AI not only for game content such as game rules, scenarios, and graphics but also for personalized messaging, advertising optimization, various recommendation services, and overall improvement of user experience linked to gameplay. They are also accelerating research on generative AI, such as more realistic AI voice generation.

In 2021, Intelligence Labs integrated its data and platform organizations to evolve into an organization that provides both foundational and advanced solutions necessary for game services.

Currently, it has secured a workforce of over 600 employees. Despite the recent economic downturn, Nexon continues to steadily increase the number of personnel in Intelligence Labs, showing how critically they are committed to AI research.

Lee Jeongheon, CEO of Nexon Korea

‘GameScale’ for a Better Ecosystem

Nexon recently introduced ‘GameScale,’ a data analysis platform service utilizing AI. GameScale accumulates know-how gained from operating numerous games over decades. Nexon offers this as a solution in a B2B (business-to-business) format.

GameScale consists of ‘Platform Service,’ ‘Data Solution,’ ‘Detection & Security Package,’ and ‘Recommendation & Marketing Package.’ Notably, the Detection & Security Package analyzes data collected through games and platforms to classify various anomalies within games, such as botting, and the use of illegal programs. It can also classify text or images input into the game. Through this classification, the system automatically detects and sanctions abusive language, advertising chats, and illegal program usage.

AI is applied to all of Nexon's games. When ‘Dungeon & Fighter Mobile’ was launched last year, illegal program users were detected within three hours of service start. This utilized detection models and automatic sanction systems built from past ‘Dungeon & Fighter’ data and is also used as a solution in GameScale.

Additionally, in ‘Sudden Attack,’ AI detects tens of thousands of abusive accounts annually, and in ‘MapleStory M,’ it filters over ten thousand advertising chats daily. Using this, it is also possible to match users who are tired of abusive language with users who do not use abusive language.

Dungeon & Fighter Mobile Image

Establishing AI Ethics Policy

Nexon is also conducting research on generative AI triggered by OpenAI’s ‘ChatGPT’.

Technology that almost identically replicates the voice and intonation of famous game directors is already in use. Using voice generation technology, NPCs (non-player characters) are given voices without voice actor recordings, and real-time game commentary responding to user actions is provided. Furthermore, they are considering interactive communication functions between NPCs and users that reflect the game’s worldview beyond scripted lines.

Intelligence Labs is also focusing on AI ethics policies. They apply unbiased algorithms to AI and have established standards to ensure that results do not bias specific values or reinforce social discrimination. They continuously develop services that protect personal information and ensure children and adolescents are safeguarded from inappropriate environments.