In 2014, the experiment known as Twitch Plays Pokemon made history by letting thousands of players collectively control a single character in Pokemon Red. Chaos was inevitable, but the collective experience became a milestone in digital culture. Now, in 2025, something different is happening: AI playing Pokemon on Twitch is already a reality, and the experiment is sparking curiosity and discussions. We no longer play; we just watch the AI play for us.
Claude and the Challenge of Playing Pokemon
An AI has been set up to play Pokemon Red live on Twitch, and the results have surprised viewers. The model, called Claude, comes from the AI startup Anthropic. Unlike human experiences, the AI “thinks” through each move, analyzing the game with extreme slowness. While it manages to defeat Gym Leaders, Claude still makes basic mistakes, such as confusing an NPC with Professor Oak inside his lab and taking a long time to realize it needed to walk around a rock wall.
While some viewers are frustrated by its slow pace, others see the experiment as a glimpse into the future. AI playing Pokemon on Twitch demonstrates how artificial intelligence is advancing in different areas of entertainment. But how far can AI go in mastering games?
AIs That Play Better Than Humans
AI in gaming is nothing new. In recent years, advanced models have outperformed human champions in highly complex games:
- AlphaGo defeated the legendary Lee Sedol in the board game Go, considered one of the most challenging games in the world.
- OpenAI Five competed against professional Dota 2 players and demonstrated innovative strategies.
- Deep Blue, back in 1997, had already defeated Garry Kasparov in chess, forever changing the way humans view strategy on the board.
If AI has already mastered high-level games, why does it still struggle with a simple game like Pokemon Red? The answer lies in how we interpret the world. AI can process data and predict moves, but understanding context, intuition, and visual abstractions remains a challenge.
Beyond playing, AI is also transforming game development itself. For instance, procedural generation algorithms are already used to create levels automatically in games like Minecraft and No Man’s Sky. In the future, advanced models may generate stories and interactive NPCs, making gaming experiences increasingly autonomous.
AI Playing Pokemon on Twitch and the Future of Digital Entertainment
The difference between these two events — Twitch Plays Pokemon and Claude Plays Pokemon — symbolizes a greater shift in our relationship with technology. Before, we played together, sharing both frustration and fun. Now, we just watch.
This transition reflects a growing trend: AI is increasingly taking over activities that were once human-led. Does this free us to focus on more complex things, or does it turn us into mere spectators?
The impact extends beyond gaming. If AI can already play, write scripts, and generate content, how far can this go? In the future, could technology replace our presence in art, films, and even social interactions?
The evolution continues; thus, the question remains: how much do we want AI to replace us in entertainment?
AI Playing Pokemon and the Future of Artificial Intelligence
If an AI still stumbles while playing a classic game, how can it compete with more advanced models? While some try to master video games, others challenge ChatGPT. Meet DeepSeek, the AI that could rival OpenAI—and already dominates Mandarin.
DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT – Does the Future of AI Speak Mandarin?
Watch AI Play Pokemon Live on Twitch!
Curious to see how this AI fares in playing a gaming classic? Check out the live stream on Twitch. With every move, the AI analyzes the scenario and attempts to make strategic decisions to progress in the game.
- Watch the video here!
