August 29, 2025 – Developers working on content for Meta’s metaverse platform are on the verge of a major breakthrough. They will soon be able to craft AI-powered non-player characters (NPCs) for Horizon Worlds. Meta has given an early heads-up about this plan as part of its latest development update, which introduces a range of new generative AI tools for creators, with the NPC feature set to roll out “soon.”
Once the update goes live, developers will be able to use Meta’s Worlds desktop editor to build NPCs capable of engaging in “lifelike conversations” with players through voice chat. While Meta has previously experimented with NPCs in the metaverse, this upcoming update marks the first time developers will have access to customizable, embodied character functions.
For players, this means NPCs they encounter in games will be far more dynamic in their interactions, responding to specific player actions rather than relying solely on pre-programmed scripts. To give a glimpse of what’s possible, Meta shared a blog post featuring a video that demonstrates how developers can customize character appearances, craft backstories, and write instructions to shape how NPCs react to players.
This update is the latest step in Meta’s ongoing efforts to integrate AI into its metaverse strategy. With the company’s Connect conference just weeks away, it’s likely that more details about how generative AI will transform Meta’s virtual worlds will emerge soon. In the meantime, users eager to see these new AI NPCs in action can check out two existing titles, “Bobber Bay Fishing” and “Profit or Perish,” where some of these characters are already available for testing.
