How Google’s Gemini Outperformed Pokémon Blue—And What It Means for the Future | TechCrunch

Google’s latest AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, recently made headlines by completing the classic game Pokémon Blue, a feat that has excited both gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. This development was announced by Google CEO Sundar Pichai on social media, who expressed his enthusiasm with a post celebrating the achievement.

The gameplay was live-streamed by Joel Z, a 30-year-old software engineer who operates independently of Google. He created the Gemini Plays Pokémon channel, which has garnered attention for showcasing the AI’s capabilities. Google executives have openly supported this initiative, noting its significance in AI development.

Logan Kilpatrick, the product lead for Google AI Studio, shared updates on Gemini’s progress, highlighting its achievement of earning badges in the game—something that indicates its growing ability to tackle complex tasks. Pichai humorously commented on the AI’s progress, hinting at the idea of “Artificial Pokémon Intelligence.”

But why is playing Pokémon such a focal point for AI models? In February, Anthropic reported that its Claude AI was making strides in Pokémon Red, emphasizing the unique challenges these classic games present for AI training. These games require extended thinking and creative problem-solving, pushing AI capabilities to new heights. Joel Z credits his Twitch channel, inspired by the success of Claude’s gameplay, as part of his motivation.

While Gemini has completed Pokémon Blue, it’s unclear if this makes it superior to Claude, which has yet to finish Pokémon Red. According to Joel Z, direct comparisons between the two AIs may not be fair since they use different methodologies and sources of information. Each model operates with its own set of tools, which can influence performance drastically.

It’s also important to note that both AIs rely on external help to navigate the game. They use what’s called agent harnesses, which provide visual support and critical information during gameplay. This setup allows the AI to make decisions more effectively, including accessing specific agents to assist in tasks. Joel Z has acknowledged that some interventions have been made to help Gemini succeed, but he argues these do not equate to cheating. Instead, he sees his guidance as a means to enhance Gemini’s reasoning and decision-making skills.

As AI continues to evolve, so too will its abilities in challenges like gaming. The ongoing development of Gemini Plays Pokémon indicates that much more is on the horizon. With advancements in AI technology and game design, the interaction between human guidance and machine learning will only become richer and more complex.

For those interested in the latest developments in AI gaming, check out the Technology Review for insights into how these advancements might reshape entertainment and technology.

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