On December 14th, a newly established indie developer Ememe Inc formally introduced their “AI-NPC life simulation game” called Ememe which isn’t very inspirational given how their first game is named after their own studio name.
The game is set to be released on PC via the Steam store as well as Epic’s Games Store, with early access planned for a free launch in the summer of 2024.
“Ememe”, pronounced “eh-meem” is a variety game centered on observing the behavior of AI-NPCs with an automatically generated storyline. Taking place in the town of Ememe Town, AI characters inhabit the environment, engaging in conversations and activities independently, forming relationships, and autonomously navigating their daily routines.
Within the game, players have the ability to generate new AI characters in the town, define their personalities, and occasionally influence the narrative. The developers emphasize the player’s capability to shape a reality drama for the AI characters, drawing parallels to the film “The Truman Show” starring Jim Carrey.
The interactions among the AI-NPCs residing in the town are dynamically generated in real-time through a Large Language Model (LLM). Additionally, the game automatically generates fitting animations that align with the context of the conversation.
Employing the developer’s proprietary technology, the AI anticipates and generates appropriate facial expressions and body animations from a pool of over 1000 motion data, synchronizing them with the ongoing conversation and schedule.
Furthermore, players can introduce their own 3D character model (in VRM format) into the game and “summon” it as an AI-NPC in the town. Even in such instances, the game facilitates the customization of personality settings, along with the automatic generation of facial and body animations by the AI.
Upon the commencement of early access, the implementation of features such as personality settings for AI-NPCs, AI-NPC life simulation, automatic generation of AI-NPC conversations and animations, interaction through conversation influencing AI-NPC behavior, and the capability to upload 3D models is planned.
The early access phase is anticipated to persist for a minimum of 12 months, accompanied by the introduction of multiplayer, game event development tools, character and world creation, digital item sales, Mod support, and the expansion to an open-world setting upon the official release.
Moreover, the development of game event tools is mentioned, enabling users to freely role-play characters, facilitating interactive storytelling through conversations, a concept reminiscent of a tabletop role-playing game (TRPG) where AI-NPCs assume the role of game masters.
Ememe Inc was founded by Yuka Kojima, who was previously employed by Sony Interactive Entertainment as an Associate Game Producer from 2008-2012 alongside a stint at GREE, Inc, she happens to be the creator of the first consumer-grade eye-tracking VR headset “FOVE0,” and is the driving force behind Ememe.
The aim is to create a novel narrative platform that seamlessly integrates AI and human interactions. The game also opens the door to the AI-NPC transformation of IP characters and VTuber talents, Ememe Inc are actively seeking collaborations with other companies.
“Ememe” is slated for early access release on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store in the summer of 2024, with the Steam Store page indicating a release date of September 25, 2024. During the early access phase, the game will be accessible for free, with potential plans to adopt a freemium model, introducing some paid content and features upon the official release.
Though I do wish that the folks behind Ememe put in at least some effort into their naming, the whole notion and premise of the game, the marketing buzzwords of artificial intelligence and assurance of randomly generated gameplay themes and values reminds me a lot in regards to the hidden gaming gem of Osaka Simulator otherwise known as “Ayumu Kasuga’s Mail Order Life”.
Ayumu Kasuga’s Mail Order Life, also known as Osaka Simulator, offers an interactive simulation of Ayumu “Osaka” Kasuga’s life from the well-known Azumanga Daioh series.
The game provides an overview of Kasuga’s bedroom, where she engages in various activities such as spending time inside her room, swinging a lightsaber, rocking a chair, and using the computer. Occasionally, she ventures outside to earn money.
Players can use the earned money to purchase various items that appear on the TV screen, accompanied by Chiyo-chichi. Clicking on the desired item prompts Osaka to make the purchase, while items left unclicked disappear.
The inclusion of random elements in Osaka Simulator adds an element of excitement and anticipation for players, keeping them engaged with the unpredictable events unfolding in the game.
It’s such randomness that I hope Ememe is able to incorporate seamlessly into their project which promises an open world that’s constantly changing and evolving as characters and their interests change and grow, for those who like the premise of games such as The Sims but seemingly do not want to partake in what others would perceive as “gameplay” this might be ideal for you.
