Character AI tests games to boost engagement on its platform

Character AI, a prominent startup allowing users to engage in conversations with various AI-powered characters, is ramping up efforts to amplify user engagement on its platform by incorporating games into its desktop and mobile web applications. This strategic move not only aims to keep existing users entertained but also to attract new users amid the competitive landscape of AI-driven entertainment.

Currently, Character AI has rolled out two games, labeled Speakeasy and War of Words, accessible to its paid subscribers and a limited number of users on the free plan. To initiate gameplay, users can interact with any character by clicking the new controller icon prominently displayed in the interface. This feature facilitates the commencement of games while preserving the ongoing chat history with that specific character.

In the game Speakeasy, players are tasked with prompting the chatbot to vocalize a designated word without employing any of the five prohibited terms provided. For example, if the objective is to make the bot say “croissant,” the player must navigate the conversation without using words like pastry, butter, bake, French, or flaky. On the other hand, War of Words invites users to engage in a duel against the character, where an AI referee adjudicates the winner over five rounds.

Character AI has indicated that these gaming features are part of a broader initiative to enrich user experience by infusing a sense of entertainment into the platform. A spokesperson for the company articulated its vision, noting, “Our goal as an AI entertainment company is to find ways to make the Character AI experience even more fun and entertaining. We’re currently testing a feature that allows gameplay with your favorite Characters, all while keeping the immersive experience users love.”

While users have previously enjoyed creating their own characters for text-based games, including the popular Space Adventure Game, Character AI is now committed to integrating its own proprietary games to diversify interactive offerings. This pivot comes in the wake of significant personnel changes within the company; co-founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas have left for Google, leading to the appointment of a YouTube executive as chief product officer and the promotion of Dominic Perella, previously general counsel, to interim CEO.

In a discussion with TechCrunch in December, Perella emphasized that Character AI aims to position itself as an entertainment entity, rather than merely a hub for AI companionship. This gaming introduction further aligns with the company’s desire to create a vibrant entertainment platform where users can generate and share stories. He elaborated, saying, “While there are companies in the space that are focused on connecting people to AI companions, that’s not what we are going for at Character AI. What we want to do is really create a much more wholesome entertainment platform.”

The strategic introduction of games is rooted in established trends; platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Netflix have successfully utilized gaming elements to enhance user engagement. Character AI appears to be following suit, aiming to encourage users to spend more time on their platform. According to analytics from Sensor Tower, Character AI users already log an impressive 98 minutes daily on the app.

Last year, responding to rising concerns about online safety, particularly for younger users, Character AI implemented new safety mechanisms. This included clearer labeling on AI characters to remind users that they are interacting with virtual entities and not real people, alongside a time-out notification that alerts users after they have spent 60 continuous minutes on the app. Such initiatives demonstrate the company’s commitment to fostering a safe and engaging platform, especially in light of prior legal challenges faced by the company.

As Character AI charts its course towards a more robust presence in the realm of AI-driven entertainment, the introduction of gaming serves as a pivotal step in redefining user interaction and enhancing the overall experience. With continuous evolution and adherence to user safety, the platform is poised for significant growth and increased user satisfaction.

In conclusion, as the gaming features roll out, Character AI not only seeks to augment user enjoyment but also strives to establish itself as a modern entertainment powerhouse, where creativity and interaction thrive in a dynamic digital landscape.