Scatter Lab launched a new play option called "visual novel mode" for its AI character chat service Zeta, it said on Sept. 28.

Visual novel mode changes the character's expressions and actions and the background in real time based on conversations between users and the AI character. It also applies game elements such as choices and dice events.

When a new person appears during story progression, the AI generates a character image. If users enter simple settings and reference images, it can also create character images and expressions, backgrounds and intros.

The service also offers a function in which the AI applies outfits to fit the story situation when a character outfit is registered. Created outfits can be sold to other users.

Zeta, launched in April 2024, is a service in which users create characters and a worldview and interact with AI in real time. It is available in South Korea, Japan and the United States, and as of this month its global cumulative sign-ups have surpassed 13 million.

Kim Jong-yoon (김종윤), Scatter Lab's chief executive, said visual novel mode was "an important turning point" in developing interaction with AI characters into a more immersive visual experience. He said the company would continue to introduce a new entertainment experience in which users create their own stories together with AI.