GDC is an annual gathering where game developers from Canada, the United States, and beyond come to explore the latest in programming, artificial intelligence, design, and sound. The event also serves as a stage for new game announcements and for recognizing standout projects from the past year. This piece collects the most significant takeaways from GDC 2024 and highlights how the showcase has evolved with new AI-driven capabilities shaping next-gen gameplay.
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Inworld AI from NVIDIA — the most realistic characters
Artificial intelligence took a central role at the conference. NVIDIA demonstrated a live version of the Covert Protocol game to illustrate Inworld AI’s latest capabilities. The technology enables developers to craft believable characters whose behavior adapts to the player, context, and in-game events. Dialogues are generated on the fly rather than scripted, with the in-game AI handling responses in real time.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, Covert Protocol paired with Inworld AI gives the impression of a project from the future, where character interactions feel spontaneously authentic rather than rehearsed.
NVIDIA NeMo — next generation artificial intelligence
NeMo enables game characters to sustain meaningful conversations with players — questions are answered, follow-ups are asked, and commentary is woven into dialogue. While current systems may still reveal a line between AI and human-like conversation, ongoing development suggests the gap will close as technology advances.
Beyond gaming, NeMo is positioned for broader impact, such as assisting engineers with the design and testing of new graphics hardware. The toolchain promises more natural, responsive interactions across software and devices.
NEO NPC from Ubisoft — characters talk to the player
Another notable AI approach showcased at GDC enables non-player characters to respond intelligently to player inquiries. Like Inworld AI, their lines hinge on character personality and situational context, and players can interact with them using voice input. A prototype of this technology was presented to a select group of specialists at the event.
There is industry speculation that this technology could seed future Assassin’s Creed titles, among other projects, bringing more dynamic and responsive storytelling to open-world experiences.
Do you think it would be compelling to interact with an NPC equipped with true artificial intelligence?
Microsoft Work Graphs — enabling higher computer productivity
This approach reduces processor load by shifting some tasks to the GPU. In practice, the graphics unit begins handling more work directly, reducing CPU bottlenecks and boosting overall system throughput. Work Graphs are slated to be part of the forthcoming DirectX 12 update, aiming to improve efficiency in demanding gaming and professional workloads alike.
DirectSR — improved compatibility of video cards with processors
DirectSR focuses on maintaining smooth communication between modern CPUs and GPU scaling technologies such as AMD FSR, NVIDIA DLSS, and Intel XeSS. The goal is to deliver better visuals and performance for players while easing the load on developers who integrate these technologies into games and applications.
Unreal Engine 5.4 — a new engine release
Epic introduced enhancements in Unreal Engine 5.4. Motion Matching now delivers even smoother, more lifelike animation, while Heterogeneous Volumes enables high-quality data display and automatic shadowing for large scenes. Translucent elements like fog receive special attention, and Nanite remains the standout feature for significantly improving performance without sacrificing image quality.
Announcing a game about Black Panther and Captain America
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Miracle 1943: Rise of Hydra was officially announced. The title centers on the Hydra organization and its plan for global influence through covert operations. The main characters will be Captain America and Black Panther, with a script by Amy Hennig, renowned for her work on trusted franchises. The game is being built on Unreal Engine 5.4, aligning with the engine’s recent improvements discussed earlier.
From the authors of the original Dishonored — a new project
Dishonored remains highly regarded within the industry. The new project from Rafael Colantonio, the former Arkane Studios head, aims to echo the distinctive feel of the duology while expanding into fresh design territory. A retrofuturistic first-person RPG is teased, inspired by a stylistic approach that imagines the future through a nostalgic lens similar to Fallout.
Colantonio leads WolfEye Studios, following Strange West, signaling a return to ambitious, immersive world-building. The team is exploring a new, yet unnamed, title described as a bold next step in the retrofuturist genre.
Chrono Odyssey trailer — a next-gen multiplayer RPG
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The MMORPG Chrono Odyssey, built on Unreal Engine 5, showcases a vibrant open world and promises seamless online play. It emphasizes expansive environments, while offering unique time-manipulation mechanics. Planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series, it aims to deliver a robust, cross-platform experience.
Winners of the GDC Awards 2024
GDC hosts its own awards to celebrate standout games from the previous year. This edition saw Baldur’s Gate 3 collecting the majority of trophies. A full list of winners follows:
- Game of the Year — Baldur’s Gate 3;
- Best debut — Venba;
- Best Visual Style — Alan Wake 2;
- Best Story — Baldur’s Gate 3;
- Innovation Award — The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom;
- Best Design — Baldur’s Gate 3;
- Social Contribution Award — Venba;
- Best Technology — The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom;
- People’s Choice Award — Baldur’s Gate 3;
- Best sound — HiFi RUSH;
- Ambassador Award — Fawzi Mesmar, Vice President of Publishing at Ubisoft;
- Special Achievement Award: Composer Yoko Shimomura, renowned for soundtracks in Street Fighter 2 Legend of Mana and Kingdom Hearts.
Baldur’s Gate 3 dominated the event, with many outlets naming it Game of the Year, while a few critics still praised The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
There were 55 lectures dedicated to inclusion
The conference surprised many attendees with a strong emphasis on gender and racial diversity as part of the tech ecosystem. Some observers linked these talks to broader social initiatives supported by major investors. Readers can explore this trend and related discussions in separate coverage.
Images from the exhibition
Did you enjoy GDC 2024?
What memories do you take from GDC 2024? Share thoughts in the comments.
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