AI Dungeon maker Latitude unveils Voyage, a platform for creating AI-powered RPGs

Imagine a role-playing game (RPG) where every choice leads to an unpredictable adventure, driven by the power of artificial intelligence. Latitude, the innovative company behind the hit text adventure game AI Dungeon, has introduced Voyage, an exciting new platform that empowers players to become game designers themselves. Voyage offers users the ability to craft their own expansive gaming worlds, utilizing AI to bring their visions to life. Players can define intricate details such as regions, cities, key quests, and even formidable villains. The platform allows for the customization of game mechanics, including character abilities and combat scenarios. For instance, if a player envisions a fishing village plagued by a terrifying sea creature, the AI will generate the necessary code to transform that idea into a playable reality. The platform presents a plethora of experiences, from light-hearted adventures to intense quests. As a text-based RPG, players engage with the story through reading (with optional audio narration) and typing commands for their characters. Unlike traditional RPGs with limited choices, Voyage encourages creativity—players can opt to be a goblin therapist instead of simply fighting off goblins, leading to unexpected and often amusing interactions. During a recent demonstration, an encounter with a troll took an unexpected turn when the character began sharing his marital woes. Character progression is determined by skills and a dash of luck, reminiscent of tabletop gaming mechanics. Players can unlock unique abilities, such as a “Counterspell,” as they tackle challenges and defeat bosses, with many abilities inspired by classic Dungeons & Dragons. For those who find themselves at a standstill, a built-in chatbot can provide suggestions or help navigate through the story. The backbone of Voyage is Latitude’s advanced World Engine, a system five years in the making. This technology employs various AI systems that narrate gameplay, manage characters, and recall previous interactions, ensuring a coherent and immersive experience. As Latitude CEO Nick Walton explains, “Characters aren’t just reactions to you; they have their own personalities and backstories.” This adds depth to the gameplay, allowing for evolving character relationships based on player actions. Since its inception, Latitude has made significant strides in AI-driven gaming, gaining popularity with the launch of AI Dungeon in 2019. Voyage seeks to expand this concept even further by offering a fully realized world with persistent gameplay and engaging challenges. Currently in expanded beta testing, Voyage has attracted over 160,000 unique AI-generated characters, each with distinct personalities. Early players have made nearly 3,000 decisions on average, showcasing the platform's vast interactive potential. In conjunction with the launch, Latitude announced a partnership with Google’s AI Futures Fund to enhance its offerings. The platform integrates proprietary AI models with third-party technologies for various media formats. Former Roblox Chief Business Officer Craig Donato has also joined as an investor and board member, alongside other notable venture capitalists. Voyage will be free to play, with subscription options available soon, priced at $15, $30, and $50 for enhanced features. While the platform is designed for a wide audience, some content may include mature themes, akin to those found on gaming platforms like Steam. Safety measures and parental controls are included to help users navigate potential content concerns.