Ex-DeepMind researchers secure $17 million CAD to bring generative AI to video games with Artificial Agency

Edmonton-based Artificial Agency raised more than $17 million CAD in seed financing to develop an AI-powered behaviour engine for video games, bringing its total funding to approximately $22 million. Founded in 2023 by former Alberta-based DeepMind researchers Brian Tanner, Alex Kearney, Andrew Butcher and Mike Johanson, the company emerged following the closure of DeepMind’s Edmonton office. Artificial Agency represents a direct connection between Alberta’s internationally recognized AI research community and its game-development sector. Its technology is designed to let non-player characters and game systems respond dynamically to player behaviour, potentially reducing reliance on manually scripted interactions. The company had grown to approximately 20 employees and was collaborating with several major, undisclosed game developers. Its funding and international investors demonstrate the potential for Edmonton-developed game technology to attract significant outside capital while applying Alberta’s expertise in reinforcement learning and artificial intelligence to commercial game development.