Kinect Sports: Rivals also uses Xbox One cloud AI features, Rare explains how it works

Kinect Sports: Rivals will utilise a new 'Champions' AI system using Xbox One's cloud functionality. Rare's Danny Isaac has discussed how the system works in a new interview.

At base level it's the same concept as Forza Motorsport 5's 'Drivatar' tech, which sees an AI version of your sporting Champion stored on the cloud, where they'll compete against other human players while you're not playing.

Speaking with OXM, executive producer Danny Isaac said that you will be able to label other online players as rivals and see how your AI Champion has fared against them while your console was off.

Isaac explained, "Sports are so much more meaningful when you're playing against people you know, obviously, whether they're your friends or Rivals. Rather than just have random AI characters, we have this thing where you can scan yourself in, so that the Champion becomes you.

"And not only that, it looks at your skill level and how well you've played, so when I play against you your character will be there and it'll perform at your sort of skill level as well. So, even when I'm playing by myself and you're offline, it feels like I'm playing around with my friends and family."

AI Rivals will hound you more relentlessly in events than other competitors, adding another layer of competition into the mix. It won't be as intricate as Forza 5's method however, which captures accurate behavioural data for certain corners, on certain tracks and in certain cars. It'll approach AI in more broad strokes.

Isaac continued, "It'll round out the lap times based on what you basically try to do. We did have a system where it copied you a lot more exactly, but to be honest it was really broad brushstrokes that people picked up on. The subtle nuances, it was like OK, you can't really tell the difference between this and this. Having someone come after you and thinking, hey, it's that guy - that was the stuff that really came through."

He concluded in saying that your AI Champion will also opt for your favourite power-up during events while you're offline.

Kinect Sports: Rivals Preseason launches November 22, ahead of the full game.