Game Maker's Toolkit: Understanding Good AI in Games

Introduction

• Presenter: Mark Brown
• Topic: Analyzing what constitutes "good AI" in video games, using iconic examples like FEAR, Halo, and Half-Life.

Iconic Examples of Game AI

• FEAR, Halo, and Half-Life: Known for clever AI behaviors.
  • FEAR and Halo 2 pioneered new AI tech still used today.
• Halo's Playtest Experiment:
  • Same AI with different health and damage settings.
  • Players perceived more resilient enemies as smarter.

The Role of AI in Different Games

• Aggressive AI:
  • Works in some games but not all (e.g., Doom 2016 needed a change in enemy behavior).
  • Needs to fit game experience (e.g., Alien Isolation vs. Batman Arkham Asylum).

Elements of Good AI

• Player-Perceived Fairness:

  • AI allows player to "cheat" unnoticed, e.g.,
    • Uncharted's hit probability.
    • Far Cry's limited active shooters.
    • Batman's predator mode.
  • Games bias towards the player's favor.

• Communication of AI Intent:

  • Use of "barks," animations, and visual cues.
  • AI characters with distinct personalities enhance perception.

• Predictability:

  • Predictable AI enhances gameplay planning.
  • Examples: Halo's consistent grunt behavior, Spelunky's scripted enemy actions.

• Systemic Interaction:

  • AI uses game systems, e.g., Breath of the Wild enemies interact with the environment.
  • Exposure to systems allows creative player strategies.

• Reactivity to Players:

  • AI adapts to player actions, e.g.,
    • Shadow of Mordor's orc captains.
    • Metal Gear Solid V's adaptive enemy behavior.
  • AI Director in Left 4 Dead adjusts game intensity.

• AI with Independent Goals:

  • AI pursuing its own objectives can enrich the game world.
  • Examples: Rain World, Stalker, Waking Mars.

The Need for Better Friendly AI

• Friendlies & Companions:
  • Often poorly implemented, but exceptions exist.
  • Examples:
    • Bioshock Infinite’s invincible Elizabeth.
    • The Last Guardian’s Trico.
    • Event Zero's interactive AI.
    • Final Fantasy XV’s Prompto's photography.

Conclusion

• Advancements in AI:
  • Need for smarter AI but within a design context.
  • Emphasis on creating interesting gameplay rather than mere technical challenges.
• Community Engagement:
  • Viewers invited to discuss AI insights in comments.

Additional Resources

• Recommendation: YouTube channel "AI and Games" by Tommy Thompson.
• Encouragement to explore further articles/videos linked in the description.