Character AI, the innovative startup known for enabling users to chat with AI-powered characters, is taking a bold step to enhance its platform’s entertainment value. The company has started testing games on its desktop and mobile web apps, a move aimed at increasing user engagement and solidifying its identity as an AI entertainment company.
The games, currently in beta, are available to Character AI’s paid subscribers and a select group of free-plan users. For this initial rollout, the company has developed two games: Speakeasy and War of Words, designed to offer users a unique and interactive experience.
How the Games Work
To access the games, users can navigate to any AI character they’re chatting with and click on the new controller icon within the browser. The platform prompts users to start a fresh chat specifically for gameplay, ensuring their ongoing conversations remain undisturbed.
Speakeasy
In this cleverly designed word game, users must get the chatbot to say a specific word without using five prohibited words. For example, to make the bot say “croissant,” you can’t use words like “pastry,” “butter,” “bake,” “French,” or “flaky.” This game challenges users’ creativity and ability to think on their feet.
War of Words
This game pits users against the AI character in a verbal duel. Over the course of five rounds, an AI referee decides the winner of each round, making it a test of wit and rhetorical skills.
A Step Toward AI Entertainment
Character AI’s foray into gaming underscores its mission to be more than just a chatbot platform. “Our goal as an AI entertainment company is to find ways to make the Character AI experience even more fun and engaging. We’re currently testing a feature that allows gameplay with your favorite characters, all while preserving the immersive experience users love,” the company said in a statement.
The introduction of games isn’t entirely new for Character AI users. Many already create their own text-based games, such as the popular Space Adventure Game, using AI characters. However, the company’s decision to develop in-house games represents a significant push to make the platform a more dynamic and controlled entertainment ecosystem.
Evolving Through Change
The gaming initiative comes at a time of transition for Character AI. The startup’s co-founders, Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas, recently departed to join Google. To steer the company forward, Character AI appointed a former YouTube executive as chief product officer and promoted Dominic Perella, previously the company’s general counsel, to interim CEO.
Despite these changes, Character AI remains steadfast in its vision. The company is positioning itself not just as a provider of AI companions but as a comprehensive entertainment platform. “While some companies focus on connecting people to AI companions, we’re aiming to create a wholesome entertainment experience. As we grow, our mission is to help people create and share stories while prioritizing first-class safety practices,” a company spokesperson explained.
Drawing Inspiration from Big Tech
Character AI’s pivot to gaming follows a strategy employed by tech giants like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Netflix, all of which have introduced games to boost user engagement. According to Sensor Tower, Character AI users already spend an impressive 98 minutes per day on the app. By integrating games, the company hopes to further extend this metric, keeping users entertained for longer periods.
Safety First
As part of its commitment to user well-being, Character AI has rolled out several safety measures. Last year, the company introduced new tools for teenagers, including more prominent labels reminding users that AI characters are not real people. Additionally, a time-out notification alerts users who spend more than 60 minutes on the app at a stretch, encouraging healthier usage habits.
Why This Matters
Character AI’s move into gaming reflects a broader trend in the tech industry—blurring the lines between utility and entertainment. By creating a space where users can chat, play, and share stories, the company is carving out a unique niche in the competitive AI landscape.
The addition of games like Speakeasy and War of Words not only provides a new way to interact with AI characters but also aligns with the company’s overarching goal: to redefine what an AI-powered platform can be. As the testing phase unfolds, it will be exciting to see how users respond to this fresh, engaging feature and how Character AI continues to evolve its offerings.
In a world increasingly driven by AI, Character AI is setting itself apart by proving that technology can be not only functional but also endlessly entertaining.
