National Library Board (NLB) and creative agency LePub Singapore have launched Playbrary, an AI powered experience that transforms books into a games for an interactive reading experience using ChatGPT.
Playbrary: Transforming Books into Games
Playbrary, as the name suggests, sits at the intersection of play and reading. Classics like Frankenstein and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes are being transformed into adventure games using Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI).
With Playbrary, players can explore classic books with twists added to its narrative. It blends together storytelling with digital gameplay.
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For instance, players can assume the role of Sherlock Holmes and make choices together with the help of Dr John Watson to solve a mystery case.
Personally, this reminds us of the old “Choose Your Own Adventure” books.
There are two version of Playbrary available. For the best Playbrary gaming experience, a ChatGPT subscription is recommended. However, it’s also available with the free prompt generator in ChatGPT-3.5.
Harnessing AI to Encourage People to Read
This fusing of AI and gaming is part of NLB’s National Reading Movement efforts to encourage more people to cultivate good reading habits, setting aside time for reading and exploring books of different genres.
Initially, players will be able to play-read their way through selected classic book titles including Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
More classic book titles will be added to Playbrary over the next few months.
Accessible and free for everyone, Playbrary allows players to embark on literary journeys, and cultivate a greater appreciation for classic books.
A Gamification Experience
NLB’s Chief Executive Officer Ng Cher Pong said: “This is part of NLB’s ongoing efforts to make Generative AI accessible to all. Our partnership with LePub Singapore opens new, innovative ways for more to read and learn. Through the gamification experience of Playbrary, we hope to encourage more Singaporeans to read these classics after playing the game. We also invite like-minded partners onboard to explore emerging technologies that inspire new ways of interaction with NLB’s resources, such as through Gen AI.”
This is not the NLB’s first foray into Gen AI and chatbots. It has also made use of Gen AI for interactive storytelling, first launched at Central Public Library and chatbots for people to interact with books.
Those who are interested to experience Playbrary can access it through https://playbrary.ai or by scanning the Playbrary QR codes at all National Library branches in Singapore.
