Anuttacon, a pioneering indie game developer founded by HoYoverse CEO Cai Haoyu, has just unveiled their much-anticipated debut title, Whispers From The Star. This narrative-driven sci-fi game promises an interactive experience like no other, and HoYoverse took to Twitter (X) last week to announce an upcoming Closed Beta Test.
Anuttacon’s AI-Driven Sci-Fi Game Revealed
In a distant galaxy, Whispers From The Star introduces players to Stella, a university student specializing in astrophysics. Following a crash landing on the alien planet Gaia, Stella finds herself isolated, relying solely on her communicator to seek assistance. Fortunately, players can step in as her guide, communicating with her through text, voice, and video messages to navigate her through this otherworldly ordeal.
The core gameplay of Whispers From The Star revolves around engaging in real conversations with Stella. According to the developers, as reported by Bleeding Cool News, the game aims to revolutionize interactive storytelling. By moving beyond traditional dialogue trees and employing AI-enhanced dialogue, the game facilitates open-ended conversations that are fluid, personal, and deeply immersive.
While the prospect of personalized gameplay has sparked excitement among fans, the game's reliance on AI-driven interactions has also raised concerns. Discussions on platforms like Reddit highlight worries about the emotional impact of AI relationships and the potential displacement of human actors. These concerns are particularly poignant amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, which focuses heavily on AI's role in the entertainment industry.
Despite these concerns, Anuttacon is moving forward with a Closed Beta Test for Whispers From The Star. This test is exclusively for select gamers in the United States. Although an exact date and time have not yet been finalized, interested players can sign up on the developer's website to secure their spot. It's important to note that this beta test is limited to users with "iPhone 12 or above," with no current support for Android devices or iPads.