Ubisoft is reportedly internally referring to its generative artificial intelligence initiatives as "Motherbrain," a codename that appears to be a nod to the rogue AI from Nintendo's Metroid series. This information comes from a report by Game File, which uncovered several trademark applications filed by the Assassin's Creed publisher that utilize the term in relation to AI projects.
One trademark filing specifically mentions "downloadable computer software using artificial intelligence (AI) for creating video games and interactive content." Another details "Research, design, and development of software using artificial intelligence; Artificial intelligence as a service (AIAAS) featuring software using artificial intelligence for analyzing data and interacting with humans."
While the "Motherbrain" codename has not been publicly acknowledged by Ubisoft, the company has been transparent about its individual explorations into leveraging large language models (LLMs) for game development. In 2023, Ubisoft introduced GhostWriter, an AI tool designed to assist writers in generating NPC dialogue for franchises such as Far Cry. The following year, the company unveiled its Neo NPC initiative, an effort to enhance the dynamism and engagement of side characters through AI. Last year, Ubisoft also showcased "Teammates," a generative AI research project demonstrated through a Ghost Recon-style demo where AI-voiced allies responded in real time to player speech.
Ubisoft has stated its belief that future games will offer greater interactivity. "Games of tomorrow will listen, understand, and react to players far more than today, and our research gives a glimpse of what adaptive, generative play could add on top of proven game systems," Xavier Manzanares, Ubisoft's director of GenAI gameplay, told Variety. However, generative AI has also inadvertently surfaced in Ubisoft's published titles. The game Anno 117: Pax Romana was among several titles in recent years to exhibit what appeared to be AI-generated errors in its artwork, which were later removed.