How AI is shaping our games

An enemy AI that always misses its first shot isn't a bug. It's a deliberate design choice that makes games more fun.

#1about 6 minutes

Defining AI beyond the hype and its historical context

AI is not a new concept, and its definition often involves systems that learn and adapt, though many historical applications were simpler than they appeared.

#2about 7 minutes

Creating the illusion of intelligence for game NPCs

Game AI aims for an "illusion of intelligence" rather than perfect performance, using techniques like "artificial stupidity" to ensure the game remains fun and winnable for the player.

#3about 9 minutes

Training AI to master complex games like Chess and StarCraft

AI has achieved major milestones by defeating human champions in games like Chess, Go, and StarCraft, which serve as valuable environments for testing and advancing AI research.

#4about 3 minutes

Using procedural content generation to build game worlds

Procedural content generation (PCG) uses algorithms to create vast game content like worlds in Minecraft or weapons in Borderlands, enabling replayability and saving development time.

#5about 2 minutes

Analyzing player data to understand different play styles

Machine learning techniques like clustering can analyze player data to identify distinct behavioral profiles, helping designers understand how different people engage with their games.

#6about 3 minutes

Making AI a central element of the core gameplay loop

Instead of being a background system, AI can be a core gameplay mechanic through design patterns like making the AI a trainee, a role model, or a visualized system for the player to learn.