SoftBank Group has drawn attention with the filing of a new patent for AI technology. The theme? “Supplementing missing players in TRPGs.” In tabletop role-playing games (TRPGs), where participants weave stories through face-to-face or online conversations, SoftBank is exploring the idea of AI stepping in as a substitute player.
TRPGs are a genre that thrives on storytelling and dynamic conversation. They rely heavily on role-playing by multiple participants. However, due to time constraints or availability, gathering the required number of players can be difficult. The AI service for which SoftBank has filed a patent aims to address this very issue of “player shortage.”
According to the patent, the AI participates in gameplay through the following mechanisms:
- Learning the personality and traits of a character
- Analyzing conversation logs of other players
- Predicting behaviors and responses using machine learning and natural language processing
- Estimating user emotions via an emotion engine and adjusting its reactions accordingly
Through this, SoftBank is working toward creating an AI player that does more than just reply with preset lines — one that reads the room, understands emotions, and co-creates the story alongside human players.
This marks a shift where AI evolves from being a mere “tool” to becoming a true companion in gameplay.
AI’s advancement in the gaming industry is accelerating across the board. Examples include the “MinePal” AI companion in Minecraft and Microsoft’s Copilot for Gaming, both of which support players during gameplay.
While the core appeal of TRPGs lies in human-to-human interaction, incorporating AI as one of the players may unlock new possibilities. This patent suggests a future where physical limitations no longer hinder gameplay — where anyone can enjoy storytelling anytime, with anyone. When SoftBank’s AI player becomes a reality, what kinds of adventures will we embark on together?