The gaming landscape has witnessed a remarkable shift with the introduction of AI opponents in popular multiplayer games. This innovation has not only changed how players engage with the game but also how they interact with each other. The phenomenon was notably observed in PUBG: Battlegrounds one of the best-selling video games of all time.
Launched in, PUBG: Battlegrounds connects dozens of players on a single map, challenging them to survive as long as possible. As the game matured, it faced a common industry challenge: attracting and retaining new players. The solution came in the form of AI-controlled opponents, introduced in 2026, which significantly altered the gaming dynamics.
The role of AI in boosting player confidence
The AI opponents were designed to be slightly worse than the average human player, providing new players with a safer environment to practice and build their skills. This confidence-building aspect was crucial, as it encouraged players to stick with the game and engage more deeply. Importantly, the AI opponents were not labeled, so players couldn’t distinguish between human and computer-controlled characters.
This ambiguity proved beneficial. Players experienced more success without always knowing whether they had beaten a person or a bot. This increased success rate boosted their self-efficacy and sense of responsibility towards their teammates. As a result, players spent about 50% more time in the game and engaged in 28% more team play.
The social impact of AI in gaming
The introduction of AI opponents had a profound social impact. Players who initially played solo began to team up more frequently with friends. This shift was not just about playing more but about playing together. The researchers behind the study, forthcoming in Information Systems Research argue that the underlying mechanism is based on enhancing players’ confidence and their willingness to engage socially.
Liangfei Qiu a professor at the University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business and co-author of the study, highlighted the broader implications. “The underlying mechanism is based on enhancing players’ self-efficacy and sense of responsibility toward teammates. That’s why they play more games and play more games with their friends,” Qiu said. He also noted that while the study focused on PUBG: Battlegrounds, the lessons extend beyond entertainment.
Beyond gaming: the broader implications of AI
The findings suggest that AI can serve as a tool to help newcomers gain experience and confidence, not just in gaming but in various fields. Qiu emphasized that AI could help people advance in their careers or other areas by providing a supportive environment for skill development. “If we can build an agentic AI foundation at the bottom of an organization, those agents can help people, not replace people,” he said.
This perspective shifts the narrative around AI from one of replacement to one of assistance. By providing a supportive environment for skill development, AI can help newcomers gain the experience and confidence they need to succeed. This approach can be applied in various contexts, from education to professional development, making AI a valuable tool for growth and advancement.
