Square Enix is continuing its collaboration with Google Gemini, this time for an in-person event in Tokyo designed to engage fans with augmented reality. Dubbed 'Gemini Quest,' the event will take place across four locations in Tokyo's Shibuya and Harajuku wards on July 30th.
This initiative follows Square Enix's earlier announcement of a "Chatty Slimey" AI companion for Dragon Quest X, a Japan-exclusive MMORPG, which utilized Google Gemini. While that particular implementation faced a divisive reception, the new event aims to bring a different kind of interactive experience.
Attendees at the 'Gemini Quest' event will be tasked with a real-world mission: to "seal away the Dragon King who has been resurrected in the real world." To achieve this, giant statues of Dragon Quest monsters, such as slimes, will be placed at the venues. Participants can use the Gemini app to take photos of these statues and then cast spells through an augmented reality interface. This will generate images of the players confronting the virtual monsters.
Successful completion of these quests will grant participants a limited edition physical "mini medal" reward. These medals will feature engravings of iconic Dragon Quest monsters like slimes and killer machines, as indicated on the event's website. Images shared from the event clearly demonstrate the use of generative AI in creating these interactive elements.
The partnership between Square Enix and Google Gemini underscores a growing trend of integrating AI technologies into gaming experiences. This move comes at a time when generative AI is reportedly being adopted more aggressively within Asian industries, with South Korean developers also expressing intent to leverage AI for global competitiveness.