A.I. in Video Games Role-Playing Games (RPG) Jason Robinson

What is a RPG A rocket propelled grenade, commonly used against enemy armored vehicles in the military. Not today’s topic. A rocket propelled grenade, commonly used against enemy armored vehicles in the military. Not today’s topic. A game in which the participants assume the roll of fictional characters and collaboratively create or follow a story line. A game in which the participants assume the roll of fictional characters and collaboratively create or follow a story line.

RPG Example World of Warcraft

AI in RPGs AI is a semi-rare element in most RPGs AI is a semi-rare element in most RPGs Most events are scripted (logic) Most events are scripted (logic) Human interaction generally has minimal effect on Non-player character (NPC) actions. Human interaction generally has minimal effect on Non-player character (NPC) actions. Example: WoW Raid Encounter Example: WoW Raid EncounterWoW Raid EncounterWoW Raid Encounter

Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs MMO RPGs require even less AI than single-player RPGs MMO RPGs require even less AI than single-player RPGs Human players are the natural intelligence which takes the place of AI Human players are the natural intelligence which takes the place of AI In today’s game market, the focus is very heavy on multiplayer, so AI is fading more and more from these games In today’s game market, the focus is very heavy on multiplayer, so AI is fading more and more from these games

HCI in RPGs Human-Computer Interaction is the driving element in most RPGs Human-Computer Interaction is the driving element in most RPGs Most RPGs allow interaction through a User Interface (text or graphical) Most RPGs allow interaction through a User Interface (text or graphical) Most RPGs use an event-driven scheme for HCI Most RPGs use an event-driven scheme for HCI Ex. You cast a spell at an enemy, which causes the enemy to retaliate Ex. You cast a spell at an enemy, which causes the enemy to retaliate

HCI Elements Channels Channels Audio Audio Visual Visual Tactile Tactile Dynamics Dynamics Range of message intensity Range of message intensity Scope and complexity of implemented features Scope and complexity of implemented features

Environment The environment is the medium to communicate to the world and other players The environment is the medium to communicate to the world and other players Players can use an array of elements to communicate, such as visual gestures, textual chat, or auditory notions. Players can use an array of elements to communicate, such as visual gestures, textual chat, or auditory notions. Of course, throwing a fireball in someone’s face is a good form of communication as well Of course, throwing a fireball in someone’s face is a good form of communication as well

Language-based Communication Of all the communication means, language-based communication is the most widely used in RPGs Of all the communication means, language-based communication is the most widely used in RPGs In single player, you talk to NPCs to obtain quests and further understand of the story line. In single player, you talk to NPCs to obtain quests and further understand of the story line. In multiplayer, you talk to NPCs as well as other players to achieve common goals In multiplayer, you talk to NPCs as well as other players to achieve common goals