OpenAI’s o3 Model Struggles with Pokémon Red on Twitch, Highlighting AI Limits in Gaming

OpenAI’s o3 Model Struggles with Pokémon Red on Twitch, Highlighting AI Limits in Gaming OpenAI has long been at the forefront of artificial intelligence research, with its recent o3 model touted as its most advanced to date.

Yet, when put to the test with a classic Nintendo title, Pokémon Red, the results have surprised—if not amused—the gaming community.

Streaming live on Twitch in an ongoing experiment, the o3 model required a staggering 80 hours to secure just two Gym Badges, drawing sharp contrasts with both human and previous AI playthroughs. The live-streamed playthrough, initially covered by gaming news outlet Dexerto, has quickly become a spectacle within the Pokémon and broader gaming communities.

O3 began its journey with Bulbasaur, considered the optimal starter Pokémon for early-game progression due to the Grass-type’s strength against the first two Gym Leaders, Brock and Misty, who specialize in Rock- and Water-type Pokémon respectively.

Despite this strategic choice, progress was slow—remarkably slow by veteran standards. For context, the original TwitchPlaysPokémon phenomenon, where thousands of users collectively input commands via Twitch chat, surpassed o3’s accomplishment by earning two badges in under 50 hours, and had reached three badges by the 80-hour mark.

Even unconventional playthroughs, such as those conducted by fish, have reportedly shown greater progress in less time, adding to the humor and discussion online about the current capabilities of AI in traditional game environments. Artificial intelligence and its intersection with the gaming industry have generated both excitement and debate in recent years.

There are mounting concerns about AI’s role in creative professions, its environmental impact, and its growing application in sectors ranging from education to entertainment.

Major tech platforms like Google and X are integrating AI tools more deeply, and the repercussions have not gone unnoticed by industry leaders.

Last year, Nintendo’s own Shigeru Miyamoto addressed the AI trend, expressing the company’s intention to pursue alternative, more human-centric development routes moving forward. With the ongoing attention on the o3 Pokémon Red playthrough, the gulf between AI and human improvisation in gaming becomes clear.

While OpenAI’s model demonstrates impressive general linguistic and reasoning skills, its struggle with a decades-old Game Boy title underscores significant room for improvement in applying AI to complex, interactive environments.

As the experiment continues on Twitch, it invites reflection not just on technology’s pace, but the enduring skills and creativity that define the gaming community. For more updates on AI developments, Pokémon Red, and Nintendo news, follow our coverage and join the conversation as the landscape of AI in gaming continues to evolve.

Pokémon Red AI Twitch Pokémon Red OpenAI Nintendo Shigeru Miyamoto TwitchPlaysPokémon Bulbasaur Dexerto