AI stole the show at CES 2024, and it’s no surprise. Every conversation at the mammoth tech event somehow circled back to AI and its transformative impact on our computers and gaming experiences.
The driving force behind this trend? Intel Core Ultra processors integrating NPUs, or Neural Processing Units, into their laptop CPUs. While this isn’t a novel concept, the sheer number of Intel-powered laptops signals a new era of AI technology that will revolutionize the way we build and use computers.
But for gamers, the AI wave has been rolling in for a while now. It all started with the Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 in 2018.
So, what does AI mean for games, really? It’s more than just technology that improves over time; it’s about generative AI. Various AI models can take data and create content, whether it’s text, images, videos, or, as Nvidia showcased, immersive interactions with game NPCs.
Generative AI like ChatGPT became ubiquitous last year, sparking mainstream interest. But there’s much more to explore beyond AI’s ability to mimic content from artists and writers.
Take, for example, DLSS, or deep learning super sampling. Originally, DLSS used AI to upscale games from 1080p to 4K, based on individual game data. While its implementation has evolved, the concept remains the same: using data to generate image and motion information – true generative AI.
AI in gaming is poised for enormous growth. At CES 2024, I delved into the world of “AI PCs” with Intel, trying to grasp its appeal to gamers. While it’s a game-changer for creative professionals and spreadsheet users, the draw for gamers wasn’t immediately obvious.
Imagine playing Baldur’s Gate 3 and having your inventory manage itself, thanks to a CPU with a dedicated NPU. That’s just a taste of the potential AI gaming PCs hold.

