Square Enix is adding a Gemini-powered AI companion to Dragon Quest X, and the response isn’t exactly enthusiastic.

The MMORPG is getting a new assistant called Chatty Slimey, meant to guide players through Astoltia with hints, directions, and real-time commentary.

Dragon Quest X was released exclusively in Japan in 2012. This update feels less about a global push and more about making the game easier for new and returning players to get into.

Chatty Slimey is built as a conversational companion. It reacts to what players do, suggests what to do next, and comments on moments like boss fights, rare drops, or gear changes.

It also uses AI-generated voice alongside text, making it feel less like a background system and more like something actively reacting to the player.

Dragon Quest X’s head of development and operations, Takashi Anzai, said the aim is to make the experience more welcoming, adding that new players “won’t feel lonely wondering where to start playing,” with the companion acting as a personal guide.

According to Sankei, Square Enix is also working with Google Cloud to expand its use of AI. The feature also aligns with a broader industry trend of developers experimenting with generative AI to enhance in-game assistance and interaction.

Early reactions suggest the feature is far from universally welcomed.

Fans Are Split on Dragon Quest X’s AI Companion

Commenting on X under the announcement, one user said: “For anyone saying ‘this is a good use of AI,’ let me remind you that these models are nowhere good enough to be what anyone wants them to be and CONSTANTLY get stuff wrong.”

Others were more blunt about how intrusive the feature could feel. An AI that comments on every action risks becoming a distraction rather than a help.

One user criticized the idea of constant AI interaction, saying: “Yes because what I want in a grindy video game is for an incessant annoying little s*** to constantly affirm me like i'm a small child who can't just play a game and figure things out. ‘WOW, Yo got [Iron Sword] That's a [Common] drop!! Congrats! Would you like to see the wiki?’”

Not all reactions were negative. One gamer supported the idea: "This is a good use of AI in games. I don't care what anyone says. It's essentially an enhanced version of a standard AI companion."

Whether Chatty Slimey becomes a helpful guide or an unwanted distraction will come down to execution.

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Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav