Pokémon Company and HEROZ Inc. have jointly developed an AI tool called "Pokemon Battle Scope (PBS)" that visualizes the status of Pokémon battles within the video games of the "Pokémon" series.

In the realm of sports, as well as in board games like shogi and Go, and now in video games, watching games has become a norm. Spectators closely follow each move of the players, and everyone gets excited together at critical moments. Given the burgeoning spectator culture in Pokémon battles, a dedicated AI was developed specifically for Pokémon battles, inspired by shogi AI technology. One of the attractions of these battles is the depth of strategy involved. Players select Pokémon they have raised themselves to compete against an opponent. Each Pokémon can learn up to four different "moves," and players choose the best move each turn, anticipating their opponent's actions.

A critical aspect here is the "type" of Pokémon and moves. There are 18 types in total, each with its own strengths and weaknesses; for instance, the "Fire" type is strong against the "Grass" type but weak against the "Water" type. Players must consider these matchups to predict the opponent's moves and find the best strategy. Pokémon battles are thus not only about physical combat but also a battle of wits similar to shogi. Furthermore, elements of luck such as a 4% chance of hitting a "critical" that increases damage, and various "status conditions" like paralysis, poison, burns, and sleep can also affect the outcome. Even in adverse conditions, there remains a chance for a turnaround, adding to the thrill of spectating.

PBS is designed to make the excitement of these battles more accessible to a broader audience. By using AI, it quantifies which player is in a superior position and suggests "candidate moves" for what to do next. This visualization helps even those who do not normally play video games or are new to Pokémon battles to follow and enjoy the action as spectators.

PBS is being developed for its debut at the "Pokémon Ryuo Tournament 2024" game category, scheduled for February 25, 2024. The event is organized by The Pokémon Company in collaboration with the Yomiuri Shimbun, which hosts the top-tier shogi title match "Ryuo," and the Japan Shogi Association. Recently, the tournament has been held in a Noh theater, with players donning traditional Japanese attire, making it a unique event that goes beyond a typical battle tournament.

Development was not straightforward; unlike shogi, where the number of pieces is fixed, Pokémon battles feature over 1,000 different Pokémon and more than 900 different moves. Additionally, factors like battlefield weather and Pokémon status conditions influence the choice of moves. The number of possible combinations is astronomical, requiring the setting of numerous conditions for AI learning and billions of simulations.