[Future Business Forum] Caliburs, NPC + AI... A Realistic Metaverse World

Interview with Kim Dong-gyu, CEO of Caliberus
Integrating AI into NPCs to Enhance Realism
Users Design Quests Directly Using AI NPCs
"Aiming for an Ecosystem Created by Individuals and Partner Companies"

Kim Dong-gyu, CEO of Caliberus, is introducing the metaverse. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Calibus, the metaverse platform created by Calibus, feels as if it has transplanted the real world. In the metaverse world called 'NEW EARTH,' even the shadows, the reflection of adjacent buildings on glass windows, and the texture of old pavement blocks are depicted. In such a metaverse world, artificial intelligence (AI) adds greater realism. By integrating AI into NPCs (Non-Player Characters), users can experience interactions that feel like communicating with real people.

Kim Dong-gyu, CEO of Calibus, who will speak on the topic of 'Next-Generation Metaverse and AI' at the Future Enterprise Forum hosted by Asia Economy on the 22nd, explained in a recent interview, "Development is underway to enable NPCs living in the virtual city to converse as if they were living people, each having their own self and personality through AI," adding, "We are also considering various fun elements through the integration of NPCs and AI."

NPCs integrated with AI will support communication that feels lifelike. Additionally, Calibus is building a system where users, not operators, can directly design quests and assign rewards using AI NPCs. This system, called UGC (User Generated Contents), enhances the immersion of users participating in the metaverse. It allows users not just to participate but to fill the content and become part of it.

Users can plan and execute various content such as fashion shows, avatar customization, and DJing tournaments. CEO Kim said, "Our goal is an ecosystem created not by developers but by participating individuals and partner companies," and added, "We aim to present a virtual space that can be used diversely according to the purposes of participants, not just for specific objectives."

The reason Calibus aims to create a metaverse similar to reality by utilizing AI technology is to create a space where social, economic, cultural, and educational functions operate practically. Various activities such as shopping, community, watching performances, gaming, and real estate transactions within the metaverse are possible. Especially for shopping, avatars can move around stores and try on products directly. Virtual world clerks explain the characteristics of products in real time, and users can also check through videos. There are plans to build a system where products purchased in the virtual world are actually delivered.

Calibus is a subsidiary of Lotte Innovate but plans to open the metaverse not only to Lotte-related companies but also to applicants. In the future, live commerce is also targeted. CEO Kim Dong-gyu said, "Since the goal is to build a perfect world, non-profit entities such as civic groups can also participate."

Kim Dong-gyu, CEO of Caliberus, is giving an interview. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

Calibus launched a global early access service in Korean and English versions in January this year, providing service to a limited 5,000 users. They are currently improving the platform based on feedback and plan to commercialize it in August this year.

CEO Kim Dong-gyu said, "If we have shown the possibility of implementing shopping and entertainment in virtual reality, from now on, the goal is to increase users and partner companies who can utilize that potential," adding, "We aim to establish ourselves as a leading metaverse platform based on creativity."