Amazon Pilots Alexa Game Control

Amazon has launched Alexa Game Control, allowing gamers to play PC and console games using their voices and giving developers the tools to engaging gaming experiences that feature voice interactions powered by Alexa.

With Alexa Game Control, players can perform in-game actions, such as interacting with non-player characters (NPCs), swapping weapons, and other actions by using their voices in natural and intuitive ways. Players do not need an Echo device to play games with their voice; they can use any microphone or headset connected to their PC or console. Players can also access Alexa features for controlling smart home devices, setting timers, and accessing the weather.

Game developer Deep Silver's zombie saga Dead Island 2 is one of the first games featuring Alexa Game Control. With Alexa Game Control in Dead Island 2, players can use their voices to access in-game features like navigation (by saying "where is the nearest workbench,") manipulate zombie hordes (by saying "hey zombie") and much more.

"We are committed to building immersive games that people can play wherever and however they want to play them," said Klemens Kundratitz, CEO at PLAION Group, developer of Dead Island 2, in a statement. "This means that people can play games however they want: with physical media, digital editions, controllers, and now voice."

"We are excited to debut Alexa Game Control in Dead Island 2," said Steve Bernstein, director of Alexa Games at Amazon, in a statement. "Gamers will enjoy a more immersive gaming experience by using their voice to goad zombies, ask for help, activate special abilities during combat, and more, without having to say Alexa, use an Echo device, or purchase any special hardware."

Alexa Game Control upports PC and console devices, with an SDK/plug-in that supports UE4, Unity, and C++ game engines. Alexa Game Control is built on the same Alexa technology that powers the Alexa voice AI. It is currently in private beta.