Is Google’s Veo 3 the dawn of interactive world models?

Could Google’s Veo 3 Mark the Dawn of Interactive, Playable World Models?

In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, the distinction between various types of models is becoming increasingly significant. Notably, the emergence of “world models” — sophisticated AI systems capable of simulating the dynamics of real-world environments — is capturing considerable attention. Unlike traditional video-generation models that focus on creating realistic video sequences, world models aim to understand and predict how environments evolve in response to actions, opening doors to new interactive applications.

Recent developments from Google suggest that the tech giant is positioning itself to lead this exciting frontier. The company’s multimodal foundation model, known as Gemini 2.5 Pro, is being explored for its potential to act as a comprehensive world model—one that mimics certain aspects of human cognition. Through this, Google aims to enable AI systems that can simulate realistic physical environments, thereby allowing virtual agents to predict and interact with dynamic worlds more effectively.

In late 2024, DeepMind unveiled Genie 2, an innovative model capable of generating vast, immersive, and interactive worlds akin to video game environments. This breakthrough underscored the move toward AI that can craft endless playable scenarios. The momentum continued as Google established a dedicated team focused on developing AI systems capable of simulating real-world physics and interactions.

While still in the early stages, these advancements hint at a future where AI-powered interactive worlds become commonplace, potentially revolutionizing gaming, virtual training, and simulation-based research. The transition from static video generation to fully dynamic, playable environment models could redefine how we engage with digital spaces.

Stay tuned as Google and other industry leaders push the boundaries of AI to create more immersive, responsive, and intelligent virtual worlds. The journey toward playable, intelligent world models appears more promising than ever, potentially transforming countless industries in the years to come.

Source: TechCrunch, July 2025