Google’s Gemini 2.5 Pro AI completes Pokémon Blue, showcasing advanced gameplay

Google’s latest AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, completed the classic 1996 Game Boy title Pokémon Blue.

The achievement was announced by Google CEO Sundar Pichai. The AI’s gameplay was streamed online, capturing global attention. This milestone highlights the rapid progress in AI’s complex decision-making and problem-solving abilities.

Development and Support

The project was led by Joel Z, a 30-year-old software engineer not affiliated with Google. He created the Gemini Plays Pokémon livestream, displaying the AI’s gameplay in real-time.

Google leaders, including Pichai and Logan Kilpatrick, product lead for Google AI Studio, actively endorsed and celebrated the project.

Why This Matters

Completing Pokémon Blue shows AI’s capability to handle tasks requiring strategic thinking and adaptability. This example illustrates how advanced AI models like Gemini can solve intricate problems beyond their initial design.

How Gemini Mastered the Game

Joel Z developed a specialized agent harness providing Gemini with enhanced game screenshots and context. This system allowed the AI to make informed decisions and control the game. While some developer interventions improved reasoning, no specific game hints or walkthroughs guided Gemini’s journey.

• Agent harness supplied rich visual and contextual data to the AI
• The AI issued commands translated into game actions
• Developer support helped refine decision-making without direct answers

AI Gaming Progress

This effort follows similar AI work showcased by Anthropic, which highlighted advances in playing Pokémon Red with another AI model.

According to Joel Z, direct comparisons between these AI models are difficult because each uses different tools and data. The AI gaming community continues to monitor such developments closely.

Sundar Pichai joyfully posted the victory on X, underlining its significance.

What a finish! Gemini 2.5 Pro just completed Pokémon Blue!  Special thanks to @TheCodeOfJoel for creating and running the livestream, and to everyone who cheered Gem on along the way. pic.twitter.com/E2pn3tpfEb

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) May 3, 2025

Logan Kilpatrick shared Gemini’s steady progress, noting it had already earned five badges during gameplay, surpassing other models in this task. This showcases the model’s growing proficiency within the gaming environment.

Joel Z aims to keep improving the Gemini Plays Pokémon framework as it evolves, pointing to continuous advancements.