The latest in game AI isn’t just about better graphics or more action-packed gameplay. It’s also about building more engaging nonplayer characters and delivering a deeper, more immersive experience. URL generationsnouvelles.net

Traditionally, game developers have been wary of any form of AI that isn’t deterministic, although that’s starting to change. Unpredictability is difficult to test and debug, but it can make games feel more realistic and offer a greater sense of challenge.

Will AI Games Replace Traditional Game Design

Gen AI, or generative artificial intelligence, offers developers new tools for creating more dynamic, challenging and engaging games. For example, generative AI can analyze a player’s behavior over many play sessions and then create or modify nonplayer characters (NPCs) and game elements that best match that player’s style of playing. It can also generate narrative branches, rewards and challenges that are unique to each player.

A number of game makers are exploring generative AI models to create everything from game concepts and concept art, to character dialogue and more. In addition to improving the production process and freeing up human resources, these models can help develop better-looking and more authentically human NPCs. One developer, Kylan Gibbs from Inworld AI, is already using generative AI to improve the NPC dialogue in his games. For example, in the sloth-themed social simulator Slothtopia, his AI system looks at players’ actions and tries to anticipate their next move so that the NPCs can deliver more meaningful and natural dialog. In addition, his software is able to look at the environment and try to determine what kind of gear a player has in order to give them more specific recommendations for things they might want to buy.