Udemy Adds AI Avatars & Custom Scenarios to Its Role Play Learning Tool

Udemy has announced a significant expansion of its AI-powered Role Play feature, introducing lifelike video avatars and deeper customisation tools to make workplace skills practice more realistic and scalable for enterprise clients.

The update, announced on May 8, allows organisations to build bespoke Role Play scenarios tailored to specific job roles, industries, and skill levels. Learners can now practise high-stakes professional conversations—from sales negotiations and conflict resolution to feedback delivery and leadership discussions—with AI avatars designed to simulate real-world interactions.

Hugo Sarrazin, President and CEO of Udemy, framed the update as a shift from passive learning to active performance. “Developing certain professional skills requires practice in environments that mirror the real world,” he said. “By expanding our Role Play capabilities with greater customisation and immersive video, we’re helping organisations and individuals turn learning into action, building confidence and capability in the moments that matter most.”

The practical applications are particularly notable for sales teams. Organisations can now design Role Play scenarios built around their own products, markets, and customer profiles, allowing staff to rehearse discovery calls, objection handling, and negotiation tactics before engaging live prospects.

Udemy says its platform already hosts more than 15,000 instructor-created Role Play scenarios, and the feature has facilitated over 400,000 interactive simulations since launch—spanning leadership, communication, and professional development. The company draws on data from millions of learners globally to personalise experiences, with content delivered across multiple languages.

Sarrazin added that the enhancements are designed to close the gap between training and on-the-job impact. “Adding immersive video and customisation to our Role Play technology strengthens Udemy’s ability to deliver learning that translates directly to on-the-job performance,” he said. “With these enhancements, Udemy’s Role Play technology can be even more impactful in enabling learners to build communication skills, executive presence, and decision-making under pressure.”

The move is part of Udemy’s broader push to position itself as an AI-first workforce development platform. The Nasdaq-listed company, headquartered in San Francisco, counts Samsung SDS America, Tata Consultancy Services, Volkswagen, and the World Bank Group among its enterprise customers.