It's been a good few months since Microsoft held a big virtual event for fans, with its previous showcase coming prior to the release of the Xbox Series X and S last year. However, it seems its next event is on the horizon, with the company recently revealing that it would be holding a virtual summit later this month. The event won't reveal any new games, but instead will discuss more about the technology used to power them.
The research summit, which will be held over two days on February 23 and 24, looks to cover a range of topics, focusing on how AI and "machine learning" are changing what it means to play video games. Those interested can register for a virtual seat, allowing them to sit in on Microsoft's broadcast and hear from its roster of distinguished guest speakers.
Microsoft has even offered a look at the themes that will be discussed during the summit, which include "AI Agents for gameplay and game testing," "Responsible Gaming, including ethics, safety, and inclusivity," "Computational creativity and content generation," and "Understanding Players, player engagement and analytics." The main speakers at the showcase hail from a variety of different backgrounds, with the most notable likely being Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer. Others include Game Intelligence Lead at Microsoft Research, Katja Hofmann, and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft's Cloud Gaming division, Kareem Choudhry.
Both days begin at 8:30 AM PT and conclude at 1:15 PM, and will include a number of AI-focused talks as well as a 45-minute fireside chat to close out the summit. It seems seats for the showcase will be available until February 19, at which time they will be made unavailable, so those intrigued by the concept of a two day delve into the world of video game AI should register ASAP. It's sure to have some thought-provoking insights from some of the industry's most respected names.
Microsoft is currently positioning itself to have some big years ahead, with the release of the Xbox Series X and the upcoming acquisition of Bethesda sure to result in some huge news for the company's playerbase. As for more immediate plans, it's currently primed to bolster its lineup of system-selling exclusives throughout 2021, with games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, The Gunk, Five Minutes, and Warhammer Darktide all releasing on Xbox Series X.
However, its biggest project is without question Halo Infinite, which is slated to drop this fall. The title will look to bring Master Chief back in an experience that utilizes the next-generation power of the Series X, marketing the console's technology in a similar fashion to Halo Combat Evolved on the original Xbox and Halo 3 on the Xbox 360.
Microsoft's AI and Gaming Research Summit will take place on both February 23 and 24.
Source: Microsoft