Microsoft revealed that it was working on an AI chatbot specifically for gamers back in March, and now it’s here for a test drive. The beta version of Gaming Copilot is available to Xbox Insiders on PC via the Game Bar functionality. It’s also available to try on Windows-based handheld gaming devices, but the company says the functionality there is currently limited. A variant of this tool recently launched as a beta for mobile.
This is kind of like an AI version of those old Nintendo phone help lines. The chat box appears as an overlay on the screen and players can use it to ask questions about the game they’re playing. Microsoft says this tool has been designed to help players traverse obstacles and that it “knows what you’re playing and understands your Xbox activity.” The system uses in-game screenshots to make sure it’s providing useful advice.
With that in mind, Gaming Copilot can also offer suggestions about new games to buy and answer questions about system accounts. It allows for text-based and voice-based queries, assuming a microphone is connected.
Microsoft says it’ll be adding more features in the future, including “richer game assistance such as proactive coaching.” The beta build of Gaming Copilot is only available in English at the moment, though it can be used in various regions including the US, New Zealand, Japan and Singapore.