Character AI, a startup that enables users to interact with AI-powered characters, is now testing games on its desktop and mobile web apps to increase engagement on its platform. The move is part of the company's effort to make its service more entertaining and position itself as a wholesome entertainment platform.

The games, currently available to paid subscribers and a limited set of users on the free plan, include Speakeasy and War of Words. Users can access the games by tapping on the new controller icon while chatting with a character in the browser. The app ensures that the game session does not affect the previous conversation with the character by opening a new chat window.

In Speakeasy, users are challenged to get the chatbot to say a specific word without using five listed words. For instance, users might need to make the bot say "croissant" without using words like "pastry," "butter," "bake," "French," and "flaky." War of Words, on the other hand, involves dueling with the character, with an AI referee deciding the winner over five rounds.

According to a spokesperson, the introduction of games is a step towards making the Character AI experience more fun and entertaining. This move is reminiscent of strategies employed by other platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and Netflix, which have used games to increase user engagement.

Character AI has undergone significant changes at the top, with co-founders Noam Shazeer and Daniel De Freitas leaving for Google. The company has since hired a YouTube executive as its chief product officer, and Dominic Perella, previously the general counsel, has taken on the role of interim CEO.

In an interview with TechCrunch, Perella emphasized that Character AI aims to create a wholesome entertainment platform, focusing on storytelling and sharing stories on its platform. The introduction of games is a step towards achieving this goal, which requires evolving the company's safety practices to be "first class."

Notably, Character AI users already spend a significant amount of time on the app, with analytics firm Sensor Tower reporting an average of 98 minutes per day. The addition of games is likely to increase user engagement further, making the platform even more attractive to its users.

Last year, Character AI introduced new safety tools for teens, including more prominent labels on AI characters and a time-out notification for users who spend 60 minutes or more on the app at a time. These efforts demonstrate the company's commitment to providing a safe and engaging experience for its users.

As Character AI continues to evolve and expand its offerings, it will be interesting to see how the introduction of games impacts user engagement and retention. With its focus on entertainment and storytelling, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for interactive and immersive experiences.