Whether people like it or not, artificial intelligence is no longer just a concept that lives within the realms of science fiction. In the past, when artificial intelligence was only in its infant stages, many were already speculating the possibilities (and even potential dangers) the development of such technology would pose. Now, AI has managed to infiltrate various aspects of how people live their lives without them even knowing it. Many consumers will transact with customer service representatives online without knowing that they’re talking to automation and robots. A lot of people will give in to targeted ads that are only there because of machine learning. Many drivers all over the world rely on artificial intelligence on navigation apps to help them get around.
Even though artificial intelligence seems to be slowly taking over the most basic aspects of human existence and societal interaction, it’s still got a long way to go. The possibilities and potential of artificial intelligence is continually being pushed every day. And as technology develops over time, we continue to discover that we’ve only just scratched the surface with everything that we’ve achieved so far in this realm.
But this article isn’t going to dwell on just artificial intelligence in general. Rather, we’re going to focus on one particular industry that has benefited greatly from the development and improvement of artificial intelligence over the years. It’s one of the largest and most profitable industries in the world. And there’s no denying just how crucial the development of technology and artificial intelligence is in pushing this industry upward and onward into the future.
Brief History of AI Gaming
It can be hard to determine who started implementing AI technology into gaming first. But many industry experts are of the agreement that Wolfestein 3D, a first-person shooter game that originally came out in 1992, was the first mass-release video game to feature heavy doses of artificial intelligence. It incorporated a Finite State Machine or FSM algorithm that was largely responsible for bots or computer-controlled characters to perform independent acts and decisions that were entirely their own, based on specified parameters.
The AI technology in that game was responsible for having bots or CPU-controlled soldiers perform certain tasks or make decisions that suited a particular situation that made sense within the game. Essentially, these were characters that were taught by the program on how to think on their feet depending on what was happening in the game. Game developers took this concept and ran with it. Nowadays, one would be hard-pressed to find a successful game without any heavy doses of AI integrated in its gameplay.
How AI is Applied in Modern Gaming
Smarter Gameplay
First of all, AI teaches its non-playable characters to be smarter. For instance, let’s say you’re playing a sports game like NBA 2k, which is one of the most successful and popular gaming franchises. One of the biggest selling points of the game is being able to play against simulated versions of real-life players. AI is responsible for teaching these simulated players to mimic the decisions and tactics of their real-life counterparts, therefore making the game smarter and more compelling.
Improved Realism
Another aspect of gaming that AI is drastically improving is its realism. Recently, there has been a surge in AR and VR-style gameplay. AI is largely responsible for enforcing components in the game that are able to accurately represent the physical laws of physics. Because of such features, these immersive games feel a lot more real and believable.
User-Centric Data Gathering
AI is also responsible for having games learn from their players. The data that these games gather from players can be used to improve the gaming experience over time. This data can also be used for the overall welfare of a particular gamer. For instance, in online gambling sites that feature poker, baccarat, or roulette games, AI technology is keeping track of betting patterns from users. Casino platforms sometimes use this data to look out for potential gambling addictions that are developing among their base.
Final Thoughts
Gone are the days of simplified entertainment. These days, when people play their games, whether it be on PC, consoles, or smartphones, they expect a certain standard of quality when it comes to the gaming experience. Given that the gaming industry is one of the most profitable markets today, many industry players are looking to outdo one another in terms of developing games that feature the best that technology can possibly provide.
AI is continually pushing the limits and boundaries to which games are experienced by players. And there’s no telling just how high the possibilities can stretch.