Amazon has announced a new tool called Alexa Game Control, designed to allow gamers to use everyday voice commands to help them perform various actions in games. The first game to feature the technology will be the zombie-filled Dead Island 2, which just reappeared at Gamescom’s opening night live event.
With Alexa Game Control, you can interact with NPCs and switch weapons using just your voice, Amazon said. You don’t need to use a wake-up word like “Alexa” or even use Amazon’s Echo device, the company said, adding that the feature will work with “any microphone or headset connected to their PC or game console. However, you will be able to use Alexa features such as controlling smart home devices and ordering food.
Amazon spokesman Michael Poulter confirmed to The Verge that you can only use Alexa Game Control while connected to the Internet, but it’s optional, so players can still play games without an Internet connection. While you don’t need an Amazon Prime membership to use Alexa Voice Control, you do have to have an Amazon account.
In Dead Island 2, set to launch on February 3, 2023, the official Amazon blog post says you’ll be able to use your voice to access “in-game features such as navigation (by saying ‘where’s the nearest workstation’)” and “taunt zombie hordes (by saying ‘Hey! Zombies’) .”
At launch, AlexaGame Control will be available in English only in North America; Amazon promises it will support “more countries and languages,” but doesn’t provide a specific time frame. According to the Alexa Game Control website, the feature is only available for PC or Xbox. Michael Poulter confirmed the “current” situation but said “our vision is to be able to play games anywhere. ” Hopefully this means Alexa Game Control will be available on platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo Switch in the future.
