Microsoft has released a free, AI-generated version of the 1997 first-person shooter Quake II. Unlike the original, which used preset levels and enemies, this new version creates content dynamically using generative AI. The game is powered by Muse, an AI model developed by Microsoft in collaboration with game studio Ninja Theory.
Muse was trained using data from human gameplay of the 2020 game Bleeding Edge, including over 1 billion images and controller inputs. Microsoft says that Muse can eventually replicate the look and play style of existing games, even without access to the original engine or hardware.
The in-browser version of Quake II, now live, comes with some limitations. The graphics are capped in resolution, controls may feel unresponsive, and the game session length appears restricted. Still, Microsoft sees this experiment as a step toward preserving older games that risk being lost or forgotten.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said in a February announcement video that generative models like Muse offer opportunities for game preservation and future development. Other companies are also exploring this space. Google previously showcased an AI simulation of Doom, and start-up Virtual Protocols demoed a text-to-video version of Super Mario Bros. in late 2024.
While generative AI tools may support game development, it is unclear how the industry will respond. Developers and artists in other creative fields have raised concerns about the impact of AI on revenue and job stability. The gaming sector itself has experienced significant layoffs, including at Microsoft.
The future of AI in gaming remains uncertain, but experiments like this show how older titles might be reimagined using new tools.
