It seems like not long ago, discussions in the world of computer games focused on things like the “next-gen” independent characters in Red Dead Redemption 2 or how the dice rolled in every decision in Disco Elysium, shaping the story. Few anticipated that there was a hot topic hidden within all of this, which has now evolved into an incomprehensible form for some. Today, our conversations about computer games are saturated with two letters – AI. Whether we like it or not, AI is already present in games and is increasingly doing more – both good and bad. It is a little figure sitting on your shoulder, simultaneously dressing up as an angel and a devil. Let’s take a look at how AI is impacting and will continue to impact the world of computer games.
Applications of AI in Games: The Impact of AI on Independent Characters and Virtual Opponents
When we talk about AI in games today, it is significantly different from how AI was used ten years ago. In the past, AI often referred to computer opponents that players competed against in single-player or multiplayer modes, or to non-playable characters (NPCs). Today, the discussions revolve around using AI to create computer games or computer programs that will do all the programming work for you.
AI has become an important part of our gaming experience in recent years. The autonomous decisions made by independent characters during interactions with players are crucial for creating an immersive world. For example, in the game Untitled Goose Game, when you chase the gardener NPC with a rake towards the lake, they abandon everything they were doing and dedicate their life to restoring order. Such simple AI mechanics are an integral part of games.
This is the kind of AI that can be further developed to transport players to a world completely different from their own, yet familiar at the same time.
This machine has us in its grasp: Moves made possible through machine learning and procedural level or dungeon generation
The Last Of Us Part II boasts incredible AI programming that makes the independent characters almost lifelike. You shoot a dog that was about to attack you, it whimpers, and in the distance, you hear the NPC dog owner calling out the dog’s name, making you feel like the worst person in the world. The way independent characters track the player in the same game is almost unreal, both in terms of scent detection and analyzing how your last victim falls to the ground. Machine learning capabilities are what is needed for the evolution of games.
Procedural level or dungeon generation is one of the best applications of AI using algorithms. Games like No Man’s Sky, Hades, and the Diablo series are examples of games where levels change based on AI and algorithms, offering endless new challenges every day.
AI/ML for preventing cheating in computer games
Anticheat programs are one of the most important applications of AI in the wide world of computer games. Esports tournaments and players often rely on AI to detect cheaters and ensure that no one gains an unfair advantage over another player, thus balancing the playing field for teams or individual players.
Machine learning helps understand movements, trajectories, shots, and hit times to estimate whether a player is cheating or not, and take appropriate action. Denuvo is one of the best examples of this, although it suffers from controversy regarding digital rights management and game piracy. However, from a functionality perspective, it does what is expected of a player or programmer.
Catastrophe: When Souls-Like bosses turn against us
The worst and best-case scenario of AI/ML in games is the transformation of traditional boss fights. Souls-Like bosses already invoke fear in me, and I shudder at the thought that in the future, AI/ML will be responsible for creating these programmed monsters. With this, bosses can recognize player patterns and resist them, ultimately becoming the true masters of the game. I hope that day doesn’t come soon.
All of the above facts point to one thing – AI can make gaming a more beautiful place and significantly increase player satisfaction and expectations for computer games.
FAQ Section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
1. How does AI impact the world of computer games?
AI is present in computer games and has both positive and negative impacts on players’ experiences. AI can create immersive environments by allowing independent characters to make autonomous decisions, resulting in more realistic gameplay.
2. How is AI utilized in games?
AI is used to create both independent characters and opponents in computer games. AI enables programmers to create virtual characters that react in a predictable and logical manner, enhancing the quality of gameplay.
3. How does AI enable procedural level or dungeon generation?
Through AI, games can generate levels or dungeons randomly, providing difficulty and surprises for players. Games like No Man’s Sky and the Diablo series utilize AI to create endless combinations of levels, contributing to prolonged gameplay.
4. How does AI help prevent cheating in computer games?
AI is employed in anticheat programs to detect cheating in computer games. Through machine learning, AI can analyze players’ movements and behaviors to determine whether they are using prohibited programs or cheats.
5. How can AI impact boss fights?
AI can be used to create intelligent bosses in games that can recognize player patterns and adapt to them. This means that bosses can pose greater challenges and provide more dynamic gameplay.
Definitions:
– AI: Artificial Intelligence, the technology used in computer games to simulate intelligent behavior of independent characters and opponents.
– NPC: Non-Player Character, a virtual character in a game controlled by AI.
Suggested related links (to the main domain pages):
– gry-online.pl – a popular Polish website about computer games.
– pl.ign.com – the Polish version of the international IGN website dedicated to gaming.
– eurogamer.pl – the Polish version of the international Eurogamer website focused on game reviews and information.
The source of the article is from the blog agogs.sk