Anthropic’s AI agent Claude is playing Pokémon... And struggling.

In a captivating mix of cutting-edge tech and nostalgia, Anthropic, the AI startup valued at $61.5 billion, has kicked off a fascinating project that appeals to both gamers and AI enthusiasts. Last month, Anthropic began a unique gaming livestream on Twitch, showcasing its AI model, Claude, as it attempts to conquer the legendary Pokémon Red. While gaming livestreams have become a staple on platforms like Twitch, Claude's journey raises an exciting question: can an AI truly master this classic game?

As we explore this month-long livestream, it becomes clear that while the undertaking is ambitious, Claude faces challenges that reveal the limitations of even the most advanced AI systems.

The Ambitious Launch

When "Claude Plays Pokémon" first launched, excitement and curiosity filled the air. However, initial reports from Anthropic highlighted some major issues with Claude's earlier versions. For example, Claude 3.5 had a bizarre tendency to flee from battles, which is crucial in Pokémon gameplay. This flaw caused skepticism in the gaming community, prompting many to wonder if the AI could ever rise to the level of a true Pokémon master.

Fast forward to February 2025, and Claude underwent a significant upgrade with the introduction of version 3.7 Sonnet. According to Anthropic, this new model showed remarkable improvements in gameplay. Claude 3.7 Sonnet could now plan ahead, remember objectives, and learn from its mistakes—showing more sophistication than its predecessors.

Notable Milestones

In the early days of its gameplay, viewers witnessed Claude's rapid achievements that showcased its enhanced abilities. Within just a few hours, Claude managed to defeat Brock, the first gym leader, and then, days later, took down Misty, another key challenge. These early victories were a promising sign, demonstrating the potential of AI to engage with and thrive in classic gaming environments.

However, the journey took a turn as Claude faced challenges that would test its programming’s flexibility and adaptability, raising concerns about the AI's capacity to thrive in a fast-paced gaming world.

A Stalled Journey

One of the most discussed moments from the livestream was Claude's painfully slow approach to navigating Mt. Moon. Viewers were stunned as the AI took a staggering 78 hours to accomplish a task that, many Reddit users noted, would typically take a child only a few hours to complete.

Claude's antics engrossed viewers, showcasing the AI going in circles, repeatedly bumping into walls, and struggling to process its environment. Despite Pokémon Red's seemingly simple design by today’s standards, the challenge of problem-solving and navigation presents a complex landscape for any player, human or AI, striving to conquer it.

The Engagement Factor

Despite Claude's slow progress, the Twitch livestream has remained engaging for its audience. One innovative feature is a text box that displays Claude's “thought process,” providing a unique insight into its decision-making. As the AI evaluates its next moves, viewers gain a glimpse into its gameplay mechanics—or the lack thereof.

This feature not only keeps viewers hooked but also sparks lively discussions. Gamers can comment on Claude's decisions, strategize together, and critique its choices. This collaborative aspect creates a sense of shared effort in guiding the AI toward its goal.

Lessons in AI Limitations

Anthropic’s livestreaming initiative highlights important insights about the current state of AI, especially in real-time decision-making and adaptability. While Claude 3.7 Sonnet surpasses its predecessors, the difference between AI's grasp of a dynamic environment and its actual execution is still significant.

Claude’s struggles mirror our understanding of human-like reasoning and illustrate the challenges of programming an artificial entity to navigate real-world scenarios. The victories and setbacks faced by Claude offer a chance for developers to rethink training methods for AI tackling complex tasks.

The Future of AI in Gaming

As AI technology evolves, projects like "Claude Plays Pokémon" provide a fascinating look into future interactions between AI and gaming. These initiatives test boundaries and highlight the unique, often humorous facets of AI development.

Although Claude may not be destined to become a Pokémon master anytime soon, its ongoing story on Twitch reveals much about the progress in AI technology—and the obstacles that lie ahead. The blend of entertainment and education offers rich learning opportunities for both developers and gamers.

The Ongoing Adventure

As we approach the end of this month-long venture, Claude’s escapades through Pokémon Red continue to capture attention. Despite its challenges, the livestream is a fantastic testament to the evolving capabilities of AI.

With every hour of gameplay, questions about AI's future in gaming deepen and multiply. The laughter, suspense, and collective experiences sparked by Claude's misadventures remind us of the captivating dance between technology and play. Will Claude eventually rise to the challenge, or will it wander aimlessly in the challenging landscape of Mt. Moon? Only time—and a few more livestreams—will reveal the answer.