Quake II Then And Now: A Look At Microsoft's AI-Powered Remake

Imagine stumbling upon a box of your old childhood toys—worn but filled with memories. Now picture handing them to a skilled craftsman who modernizes them without stripping away their nostalgic essence. That’s exactly what Microsoft has done with Quake II , the iconic 1997 first-person shooter. Originally developed by id Software, Quake II set new standards in gaming with its 3D engine, colored lighting, and intense multiplayer action. It became a foundational title for competitive gaming and helped shape early eSports culture. Nearly three decades later, Microsoft, in collaboration with Nightdive Studios, has revived this classic—not with a simple remaster, but through cutting-edge artificial intelligence. This AI-driven remake uses machine learning to enhance the game while preserving its core identity. Microsoft’s browser-based demo is powered by its Muse AI model, incorporating a new technique called WHAMM (World and Human Action MaskGIT Model). It allows for real-time generatio...