Internal 'Minecraft' Demo Allegedly Utilizes AI to Play the Game on Your Behalf

Microsoft has dedicated years to training AI to navigate and interact with Minecraft, and recent developments suggest that the technology is nearing a point where minimal human input is required. According to sources from Semafor, Microsoft has created an internal demonstration that allows players to control Minecraft simply by instructing the AI. Users can request the AI to build a structure and watch it execute the task autonomously.

While there are currently no plans for Microsoft to release this AI control feature in an official Minecraft update, the demo represents a significant advancement. Specific details about the AI model in use remain unclear; insiders indicate that it does not rely on the Prometheus AI technology associated with Bing. While OpenAI, a frequent collaborator with Microsoft, previously developed a model capable of playing Minecraft using video footage, that technology is not believed to be involved in this latest demonstration.

Previous public demonstrations have been relatively basic. At last year's Build conference, Microsoft showcased a Minecraft assistant powered by OpenAI's Codex model, which could perform simple tasks such as guiding characters to players or crafting items. In contrast, the recent private demo appears to be far more advanced.

Despite these advancements, it’s unlikely that Microsoft, or other developers, will fully replace traditional gameplay with AI. The charm of Minecraft lies in the hands-on creativity it offers players. However, this demonstration hints at a future where AI could manage routine tasks, enriching gameplay experiences, or even introduce challenges centered around effectively communicating instructions to AI.