Alexa Game Control Coming First to Dead Island 2

Amazon launched Alexa Game Control at Gamescom 2022 this week, and Dead Island 2 will be the first game title to use it.

“We are excited to debut Alexa Game Control in Dead Island 2,” Amazon director Steve Bernstein said. “Gamers will enjoy a more immersive gaming experience by using their voice to goad zombies, ask for help, activate special abilities during combat, and more, without having to say ‘Alexa,’ use an Echo device, or purchase any special hardware.”

Alexa Game Control lets gamers perform in-game actions using their voice via any microphone or headset connected to their PC or console. These actions can include such things as interacting with non-player characters (NPCs), swapping weapons, and the like; in Dead Island 2, gamers can say things like “where is the nearest workbench,” “hey zombie,” and much more. These actions don’t require an Alexa hardware device and, as important, don’t require the “Alexa” wake-up word.

Amazon notes that gamers can also access Alexa features like controlling smart home devices, setting timers, and accessing the weather. These actions will require the “Alexa” wake-up word.

Alexa Game Control is currently in private beta, and interested developers can fill out a form to express their interest. The coming SDK/plug-in supports games on PCs and consoles with UE4, Unity, and C++ game engines.

You can learn more here.