Character AI, a startup that allows users to chat with various AI-powered characters, has introduced new games to its desktop and mobile web apps to enhance user engagement. The games are being tested with paid subscribers and a select group of users on the free plan.
Introducing new games to the platform
Character AI has launched two games, Speakeasy and War of Words, as part of this new initiative. These games are designed to offer users a more interactive experience while still allowing them to chat with their favourite characters. Users can access the games by tapping the new controller icon in the browser while chatting with a character.
Speakeasy challenges players to get the AI chatbot to say a specific word without using five listed words. For example, to make the chatbot say “croissant”, players must avoid using words like pastry, butter, bake, French, and flaky. In War of Words, users duel with the character in a five-round contest, with an AI referee deciding the winner after each round.
The feature aims to make the platform more fun and engaging for users, providing them with an entertainment experience alongside the text-based interactions they already enjoy.
A shift towards entertainment
A spokesperson from Character AI stated, “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 favourite Characters, all while keeping the immersive experience users love.”
This marks a shift for Character AI, which has previously focused on text-based games such as the popular Space Adventure Game, where users create their characters. By introducing its games, the company is positioning itself as an entertainment platform, much like other platforms such as YouTube and Netflix, which have used games to boost engagement.
Changes in leadership and plans
Character AI has undergone some leadership changes in recent months. Co-founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas left the company to join Google. In response, Character AI appointed a former YouTube executive as its chief product officer, and Dominic Perella, the company’s former general counsel, became the interim CEO.
Character AI has already taken steps to ensure the safety of its younger users, including implementing clearer labels on AI characters and introducing a time-out notification after 60 minutes of usage. These moves are a response to lawsuits the company has faced, including concerns about its AI characters being mistaken for real people.
As Character AI continues to expand its offerings, its decision to test games on the platform is a strategic step to keep users engaged for longer periods. According to analytics firm Sensor Tower, users spend an average of 98 minutes daily on the app, and introducing these games could help increase that engagement further.
