Square Enix has introduced a generative AI chatbot named Chatty Slimey in its Japan-exclusive Dragon Quest X MMORPG, marking a public-facing application of the technology the publisher previously said could handle 70% of QA and debugging by 2027. The slime-themed assistant responds to text queries using contextual awareness of the player's on-screen activity and delivers voice responses. It also appears spontaneously during key moments like defeating tough enemies or obtaining rare items to guide players through systems and loot.

The move addresses Dragon Quest X's steep learning curve, which Square Enix cites as a barrier for new players despite its large player base. The chatbot is currently seeking beta testers, with the publisher indicating this trial will inform potential AI implementations in other titles. This public test represents Square Enix's most visible AI integration to date, following earlier internal use cases.