Autonomous, AI-based players are making their way into gaming, and Altera, a new startup, is at the forefront of developing this new breed of AI agents.
Altera recently announced raising $9 million in an oversubscribed seed round, co-led by First Spark Ventures and Patron, indicating significant interest and backing from industry experts.
Expanding Team and Product Development
With this funding, Altera plans to expand its team of scientists and engineers to accelerate product development and growth, building on its previous success in securing $2 million in pre-seed funding.
As AI technology evolves, AI agents are emerging as the next stage of development, focusing on creating human-like entities capable of interacting with users in nuanced ways.
Gaming as the Testing Ground
One of the early use cases for AI agents is in gaming, particularly in games like Minecraft that support modifications (mods), where Altera is making its debut.
Altera’s AI agents are designed to play Minecraft alongside users, acting as companions rather than assistants, with the freedom to make their own decisions in-game.
Altera’s agents interact with players in real-time, responding to commands and engaging in conversations, creating dynamic and immersive gaming experiences.
Future Expansion Beyond Minecraft
While Minecraft serves as a starting point, Altera plans to expand its AI agents to other video games and digital experiences, leveraging its technology for broader developer use.
However, Altera has attracted support from a range of high-profile investors, highlighting confidence in the company’s vision and potential for innovation in AI gaming.
Altera aims to create AI companions with empathy, embodiment, and personal goals, forging meaningful connections with users across various platforms.
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