Character AI, a startup allowing users to converse with various AI-driven characters, is currently conducting tests on games available through its desktop and mobile web applications to enhance user engagement on its platform.
These games are accessible to Character AI’s paid subscribers and a select group of users on the free plan. For this initial rollout, the company has introduced two games: Speakeasy and War of Words.
Users granted access to the games can navigate to any character they are interacting with in the browser and click on the new controller icon. This allows them to engage in gameplay with the existing characters, while a pop-up prompts users to initiate a new chat for gaming, ensuring that their previous discussions with that character remain intact.
In Speakeasy, the objective is to prompt the chatbot to say a specific word without using five designated words. For example, if the target word is “croissant,” users must avoid terms like pastry, butter, bake, French, and flaky.
In War of Words, users engage in a duel with the character, while an AI referee determines the winner of each round over a total of five rounds.
Character AI expressed that this initiative is aimed at enhancing the platform’s entertainment value.
A spokesperson noted that the aim as an AI entertainment company is to explore ways to enrich the Character AI experience, making it increasingly enjoyable. They are currently testing gameplay features with favourite characters, all while preserving the immersive experience appreciated by users.
Users have previously created their own characters for text-based games such as the Space Adventure Game. However, the company is now looking to introduce its own game offerings to the platform.
Character AI has undergone leadership changes after co-founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas transitioned to Google. The startup appointed a former YouTube executive as the chief product officer and promoted Dominic Perella, the previous general counsel, to the position of interim CEO.
In December, Perella communicated that Character AI aims to be recognised as an entertainment company. The launch of these games marks a significant step towards reinforcing this identity.
Perella conveyed that while certain companies focus on connecting users to AI companions, Character AI strives to build a wholesome entertainment platform. As the company grows and works towards fostering storytelling and sharing among users, it is necessary to enhance its safety practices to the highest standards.
Major platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Netflix have integrated games to boost user engagement. Character AI is likely following suit to encourage users to spend more time on its platform. According to analytics firm Sensor Tower, Character AI users typically spend 98 minutes daily on the app.
Last year, the company introduced new safety features targeted at teens, including clearer labels on AI characters indicating they are not real individuals, following its involvement in multiple lawsuits. Additionally, the startup implemented a timeout notification when a user has been engaged on the app for 60 consecutive minutes.
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