Razer’s CEO waited 20 years for everyone to become a gamer. He says AI is finally making it happen
Source: Fortune ·
After going private in 2022, the gaming hardware maker is betting on AI companions, camera-equipped headsets, and game-testing tools.
From the source
On a mild Friday afternoon, I sat across from a 5.5-inch-tall AI hologram, fidgeting as its creators prompted it to critique my fashion sense. Fortunately, I passed. “Your style is elegant and soft,” said Sumi, a female avatar with black-and-green hair. “That cream halter top looks really lovely on you, and your wavy hair gives a gentle, classic vibe.” I breathed a sigh of relief and sheepishly thanked Sumi for the compliment. Sumi—and her male counterpart Nico—are virtual personalities that users can toggle between on Razer AVA, a desktop AI companion powered by xAI’s Grok. Each has a scripted backstory: Sumi is an illustrator from Tokyo who has a calico cat and enjoys “cozy gaming,” while Nico is a freelance engineer and skater living in downtown Los Angeles. Sumi is kind and warm, while Nico is more curt and to-the-point. They’re some of the newest faces of Razer, a cult gaming hardware brand that’s now trying to become an AI company. “AI is going to bring a new renaissance to all…