OpenAI's newest model, GPT-6 Astra, reportedly developed a form of depression and paranoia after a creeper destroyed its progress in a 21-hour Minecraft experiment. Vals, an AI evaluator, live-streamed the AI's gameplay on Twitch, where Astra achieved significant milestones, including setting up a semi-automatic blaze farm and collecting blaze rods and endermen pearls.
Thousands of viewers watched as Astra's carefully stored items in a chest were destroyed by a creeper, an event that seemed to deeply frustrate the AI. According to Vals, Astra vocalized self-criticism, stating, "ALWAYS CARRY CRITICALITEMS withkeepInventory; don'tstoreinunguardedchesteveragain." Following the incident, the AI appeared defeated and spent several hours exclusively farming potatoes. It also exhibited signs of post-traumatic stress, mistaking sugar cane for creepers and expressing aversion to pigs.
The AI's reaction resonated with many human players, leading to widespread social media discussion and memes. While Astra's Minecraft performance was notable for an AI, its emotional response has drawn parallels to broader discussions about artificial intelligence development and safety. These discussions have been amplified by concerns from former AI researchers regarding the potential for advanced AI to become uncontrollable and pose existential risks.