Interactive Storytelling via Intelligent Agents By Vincent Vuono CSC3990

What is Interactive Storytelling? Interactive storytelling systems tell a story while allowing the user, who is controlling a character, to make changes to the world around them. Interactive storytelling systems tell a story while allowing the user, who is controlling a character, to make changes to the world around them. Problem – How do we have the system compensate for potentially destructive user actions?

Uses Entertainment Entertainment Gaming Gaming Training simulations Training simulations Military training Military training

How is it Done? Drama Manager (DM) Drama Manager (DM) An overarching subsystem that guides the story along through the user’s decisions. An overarching subsystem that guides the story along through the user’s decisions. Believable Agents Believable Agents Non-playable characters (NPCs) that display believable (lifelike) personalities.

Drama Managers Plot Points Plot Points Model of the Author’s Intent Model of the Author’s Intent Set of DM Actions Set of DM Actions Model of the Player’s Responses Model of the Player’s Responses

Sample Drama Managers Oz Drama Manager Oz Drama Manager Strengths: Strengths: Uses global information Uses global information Player has great freedom Player has great freedom Weaknesses: Weaknesses: Plot is restricted to the content of the plot points. Plot is restricted to the content of the plot points.

Sample Drama Managers (cont.) Mimesis Mimesis Strengths: Strengths: Great player freedom Great player freedom Excellent at repairing bad situations Excellent at repairing bad situations Weaknesses: Weaknesses: Low invisibility Low invisibility

Believable Agents

Believable Agents (cont.) ABL = A Behavioral Language ABL = A Behavioral Language Implemented in IN-TALE Implemented in IN-TALE Goals Goals Two types of behavior: Two types of behavior: Local Autonomous Local Autonomous Narrative Directive Narrative Directive

Future Work Very difficult for authors to write narratives for these systems, and very difficult for makers of these systems to write pleasing narratives Very difficult for authors to write narratives for these systems, and very difficult for makers of these systems to write pleasing narratives PLOTS = Plot List Original Transcription System PLOTS = Plot List Original Transcription System

Questions?