Lab-Grown Brain Cells Play Video Games, AI's Role in Gaming Evolves

Human Brain Organoids Master a Digital Task

A cluster of lab-grown human brain cells has successfully engaged in a rudimentary video game. Researchers from UC Santa Cruz reported that brain organoids were coached to solve a "cart-pole" problem, which involves balancing a digital broomstick.

The brain cells' success rate in this task increased from 4.5% to 46% after training. The training involved electronic signals used as punishments for incorrect actions and rewards for correct input.

This achievement is considered a significant step in understanding the capabilities of these tiny organoids, with potential future applications for more complex tasks.

Bridging Brains and AI: Future Possibilities

Research into bioelectrical interfaces that can directly connect with brain tissue is currently underway at Northwestern University. The findings from such research could potentially lead to the integration of AI with real human brain cells in the future, though this remains a theoretical possibility.

AI's Growing Presence in the Video Game Industry

Separately, artificial intelligence is increasingly being adopted within the video game industry. Activision Blizzard has confirmed the use of AI-generative content in Call of Duty.

Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma, who previously led the company's AI division, has stated her intention to avoid "soulless AI slop" and maintain "no tolerance for bad AI."