This morning, Xbox dropped some exciting news on The Official Xbox Podcast: they’re launching a new AI assistant called “Copilot for Gaming.” This AI is designed to enhance your console, mobile, and potentially PC gaming experience, offering help with everything from selecting a new game to mastering challenging skills in your favorite titles.
Fatima Kardar, Xbox’s CVP of Gaming AI, and Jason Ronald, the VP of Next Generation, joined the podcast to shed some light on what this AI could mean for gamers. Copilot for Gaming is Xbox’s answer to some of the most common frustrations in gaming, like picking up a game you haven’t played in ages and feeling completely lost, or struggling to improve in a tricky first-person shooter. Kardar noted, “Gaming is unique; it’s the only entertainment form where you can hit a wall. That’s where an assistant could step in to say, ‘let’s push past this together.'”
Copilot for Gaming is envisioned as a cross-device companion, integrating seamlessly with both the Xbox console and mobile app. Although there’s no official word on its availability for PC users, Xbox’s “Play Anywhere” approach suggests it might not be a far-off reality. With newer generations accustomed to the simultaneous use of multiple devices, Xbox is gearing up to offer an integrated experience.
As of now, Xbox hasn’t cemented any features for Copilot for Gaming. Kardar and Ronald have built up anticipation with tantalizing hints of what might be possible and some very early video demos. In a blog post accompanying the podcast, Xbox teased a variety of potential capabilities, such as curating personalized game suggestions, summarizing your save file progress as you revisit old favorites, or offering strategic tips during respawns in Overwatch—like advising on hero selections to counter opponents or pointing out gameplay mistakes. Check out timestamps 15:19 and 17:59 in the podcast video below to see a simulated Overwatch example and a live Minecraft demo.
Currently, Copilot for Gaming boasts about 10 distinct features. Some enhance existing functionalities, like providing a save-file recap during game downloads from your phone or offering new game recommendations. Others are more specific, like delivering tips for Minecraft, such as locating ores you’ve overlooked when cheats are used. Ronald even hinted that Copilot could help gamers explore new characters or playstyles by analyzing their preferences across different games.
Despite the tantalizing prospects, it’s wise to approach Xbox’s Copilot claims with a dash of skepticism, as Kardar emphasized that nothing is set in stone yet. However, the concept does bring some intriguing innovations to the gaming AI landscape. While other AI projects, such as Razer’s Project Ava and Nvidia’s Project G-Assist, have proposed similar in-game guidance, Xbox’s focus on enhancing the overall gaming experience—by “Recalling” past game files and suggesting fresh games—sets it apart.
Kardar further explained, “Our goal isn’t just to have AI help. It’s about making sure AI steps in at the right time.” An early-access version of Copilot for Gaming will soon be available to Xbox Insider Program members through the Xbox mobile app. Kardar and Ronald pointed out that releasing it so early in its development will funnel crucial player feedback to shape its future development.
As Microsoft’s Copilot AI for PCs has faced criticism for over-promising and under-delivering, the gaming iteration looks more promising. If Xbox can live up to the promises outlined today, Copilot for Gaming could indeed become a genuine asset to its namesake.
Expect more updates on Copilot for Gaming at next week’s GDC 2025. Be sure to follow our coverage of the event for fresh insights and any exciting hardware announcements at this major gaming industry gathering.
