Square Enix has shown off its experiments with generating fictional languages using AI, with its AI researcher Yusuke Mori at the helm. Read on to learn more about Square Enix's project and Mori's insights on the technology.
Square Enix's AI Language Generation Tech Unveiled at GDC 2024
Creates Fictional Languages for Digital Environments
During a presentation at the GDC 2024, Square Enix AI researcher Yusuke Mori showcased his endeavors in AI-driven fictional language generation. Mori's experiments involved a combination of calibrated word-swapping and basic text-to-speech execution that creates fictional languages for digital environments e.g. video games, films, and more.
As detailed by news site GameDeveloper, Mori demonstrated two key demos during the "Machine Learning Summit: Fictional Speech Synthesis to Avoid the Risk in Generative Contents" presentation. The first demo illustrated how the technology could translate excerpts from literary works, such as the opening line of Herman Melville's "Moby Dick," into a fictional language. Mori aimed to show the audience what Moby Dick would sound like in a fantasy world as spoken in an unnatural, fictional language.
The second demo showcased how players might encounter these languages in 3D gaming environments. "Welcome to the new world. We're now planning to make our town here," uttered an NPC in a fictional language to a player. Afterward, the demo went on to showcase a couple more NPCs speaking in the same language, although Mori wasn't able to share the exact translations of what was said.
Mori's Insights on AI-Driven Fictional Languages
Mori emphasized the importance of crafting fictional languages that feel cohesive and authentic within the context of the game world. Despite the innovative potential of AI-driven language generation, Mori acknowledged several challenges and limitations. He highlighted concerns about the risk of generating harmful or culturally insensitive content, as well as the difficulty in capturing the nuanced, organic evolution of natural languages.
In Mori's further explanation, he introduced an intriguing concept that sparked some confusion among attendees. He suggested that if words followed a consistent pattern in the generated fictional language, players could potentially decipher their meaning over time, leading to a complete translation of all in-game text. However, he also proposed an alternative approach: deliberately randomizing the words to the extent that no definitive translations exist, thereby allowing players for diverse interpretations.
Mori noted that certain languages, such as Japanese with its Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana characters, are more compatible with this system compared to those using Western alphabets. He suggested that a solution could be transferring text from one real language to another before feeding it into the tool.
Moreover, Mori reiterated the importance of responsible usage and stressed that understanding how to implement the technology is crucial. "How to use it is very important," the researcher stated, according to GameDeveloper.
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Square Enix is testing AI-driven fictional language generation
