LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan 8, 2025--
KRAFTON (CEO Changhan ‘CH’ Kim) set a new milestone for the global gaming industry with the introduction of ‘CPC’ (Co-Playable Character), an NPC (Non-Player Character) brought to life with generative AI, in collaboration with NVIDIA, at the world’s largest IT exhibition CES 2025.
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On January 8, KRAFTON joined NVIDIA at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Las Vegas. KRAFTON showcased an innovative AI experience built with NVIDIA ACE technologies, presenting a bold vision for the future of gaming.
Kangwook Lee, Head of the Deep Learning Division at KRAFTON, demonstrated CPC, describing it as “a groundbreaking character concept enabled by an on-device SLM (Small Language Model) for gaming, built with NVIDIA ACE.” He explained that unlike traditional NPCs, a CPC is capable of dynamic interactions with players, including real-time conversations, strategic cooperation, and flexible responses tailored to in-game scenarios.
Lee highlighted KRAFTON’s commitment to expanding CPC technology across its gaming portfolio, including the PUBG IP Franchise and inZOI. He stated, “We will continue to innovate user experiences by integrating CPC into our games and aim to establish it as a benchmark for the gaming industry.” He added, “Our collaboration with NVIDIA is a testament to the transformative potential of AI in gaming, and we plan to work closely together to push the boundaries of what is possible.”
KRAFTON also presented video demonstrations of CPC technology in action within its games. In the case of PUBG IP Franchise, the video revealed ‘PUBG Ally,’ a CPC capable of engaging in casual conversations, adapting strategies, and refining gameplay to align with user dynamics.
For inZOI, the demonstration highlighted ‘Smart Zoi,’ a CPC with distinct personality traits and emotional depth, offering highly immersive simulation experiences through lifelike interactions with players.
During CES 2025, KRAFTON set up demos with NVIDIA where attendees could experience CPC-integrated gameplay and its innovation firsthand.
Kangwook Lee, Head of the Deep Learning Division at KRAFTON (Photo: KRAFTON)
Kangwook Lee, Head of the Deep Learning Division at KRAFTON (Photo: KRAFTON)
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Oklahoma City got tested, which is rare.
The Thunder didn't win, which is even rarer.
There will be no NBA Cup this season for the reigning NBA champions, whose 16-game winning streak ended in a 111-109 loss to San Antonio in the tournament semifinals Saturday night. The Thunder are 24-2, with both losses by two points.
“It wasn't our sharpest night,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “They're a good team. Credit them. They played great. There's a lot of controllable stuff from that game that wasn't where we'd like to be.”
There's no cause for alarm. Oklahoma City has tied the second-best 26-game start in NBA history. Golden State was 25-1 in 2015-16; the Thunder join the 2008-09 Boston Celtics, 1969-70 New York Knicks and 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers at 24-2.
They shot a season-low 41% from the field, shot 9 for 37 from 3-point range — their third-worst effort from deep this season — and let the Spurs turn 15 turnovers into 26 points.
And after all that, they lost by one bucket on a night where Victor Wembanyama returned for San Antonio and gave the Spurs a major boost.
“I think an average team would probably be like, ‘Oh, it’s the Cup, whatever, we lost one,’" Thunder guard Jalen Williams said. “What are we, 24-2? I mean, we can go home and just hang our hat on that, or we can look at it as a way to get better and understand that we played against a playoff team that beat us.”
Thunder guard and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said it felt odd to lose. And what he said next was eye-opening.
“Personally, I think it's exciting," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "It's easier to learn when you don't feel the way you want to feel. It stings a little bit more. We'll also see these guys a few more times in the next couple games, so it'll be a good challenge. It's like an automatic test almost in school; you fail the test, you get to re-test a couple days later. That's what it'll probably feel like. Losing is where you find growth.”
Indeed, they do play twice in the coming weeks: Dec. 23 in San Antonio and then Christmas Day in Oklahoma City. Those were going to be big games anyway. They might be a smidge bigger now.
“Playing in bigger-moment games, games with a little bit more on the line, they definitely help sharpen a tool for later in the season when the moments matter,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “All these experiences, you definitely can grow from.”
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes for a shot over San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) in the first half of an NBA Cup semifinals basketball game, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault watches the court in the first half of an NBA Cup semifinals basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ronda Churchill)
