How Does VIDEO GAME AI Work?

Summary

This video explains the inner workings of artificial intelligence (AI) in video games, revealing that most game AIs are not truly intelligent but instead rely on simple programming rules like 'if this, then that.' It covers different types of AI, such as basic NPC behavior, dynamic difficulty balancing, and rubberband AI, which adjusts to player performance. The video emphasizes that while AI in games can seem intelligent, it’s ultimately a trick to create immersive, engaging experiences, rather than actual cognitive thinking or learning. The term 'AI' is used as a catch-all for these programmed behaviors, which aim to make characters react realistically.

Takeaways

• 😀 Artificial intelligence in video games is not true intelligence, but rather a set of conditions and actions (e.g., 'if this, then that').
• 😀 AI in video games often reacts based on pre-programmed conditions rather than thoughtful decision-making or learning.
• 😀 The more complex the conditions, the more intelligent the AI seems, giving the illusion of reactive behavior.
• 😀 AI in video games does not learn in the human sense but may track conditions and adapt slightly (e.g., tougher enemies after being defeated multiple times).
• 😀 True learning in AI involves developing behaviors independently, which is more advanced than typical game AI.
• 😀 Video game AI's purpose is often very narrow (e.g., guarding a hallway), and outside of that, it does not react to other situations.
• 😀 Rubberband AI adjusts the difficulty of the game dynamically by observing the player's skill level and modifying the game's behavior accordingly.
• 😀 The dynamic difficulty in AI helps tailor the gaming experience to the player's ability, making the game more engaging.
• 😀 While game AI doesn't truly simulate human intelligence, its complexity can provide an immersive experience for the player.
• 😀 Video game AI can seem intelligent when it reacts in ways that are appropriate for the given conditions, even though it's a set of pre-determined responses.
• 😀 In essence, video game AI is like a trick that, when done well by developers, immerses players and enhances the gaming experience.

Q & A

What is artificial intelligence (AI) in video games?

Artificial intelligence in video games refers to the systems that control non-player characters (NPCs) and enemies, dictating how they behave and interact with the player based on predefined conditions and actions.

How does AI in video games differ from real intelligence?

AI in video games is not truly intelligent but rather relies on a series of 'if this, then that' conditions. It simulates intelligence by reacting based on specific conditions but doesn’t learn or make decisions like a human brain would.

Why is AI in video games often perceived as 'intelligent'?

AI in video games appears intelligent because it can respond quickly to various conditions, such as attacking when a player is in front of an enemy or walking in circles when not. This quick reaction mimics intelligent behavior, even though it follows programmed rules.

What is the role of 'if this, then that' conditions in video game AI?

'If this, then that' conditions are the backbone of most video game AI. These simple rules allow the AI to make decisions based on the environment and actions of the player, such as shooting when the player is in sight or walking away when they are not.

Can video game AI learn like humans do?

No, video game AI doesn't truly learn like humans. While some AI may track player behavior and adjust, such as becoming more aggressive after a player repeatedly beats it, this is a primitive form of learning and doesn't involve real cognitive growth.

What is the difference between AI that seems intelligent and AI that is actually intelligent?

AI that seems intelligent typically follows complex, predefined rules and can react in ways that appear thoughtful. True intelligence, however, involves the ability to develop its own strategies or behaviors beyond what was specifically programmed, which is not yet a feature in most video game AI.

What is 'rubberband AI' and how does it work?

Rubberband AI adjusts the difficulty of the game based on the player's actions, such as making enemy racers more aggressive or skilled in a racing game. This helps maintain a challenging and engaging experience for players, although it may sometimes involve artificial adjustments like speeding up enemy cars.

How does rubberband AI differ from rubber banding in multiplayer games?

Rubberbanding in multiplayer games refers to issues caused by server latency, making players appear to snap back or lag. In contrast, rubberband AI is a deliberate game mechanic that adjusts the difficulty based on player performance.

Why do developers use AI in video games?

Developers use AI to create dynamic, interactive experiences. It allows NPCs and enemies to react in meaningful ways to player actions, improving immersion and making the game world feel more alive and responsive.

Why is the term 'artificial intelligence' used if video game AI isn’t truly intelligent?

The term 'artificial intelligence' is used because it implies a system that mimics human-like decision-making. Although the AI is not truly intelligent in a cognitive sense, it serves the purpose of making characters in the game appear as though they are 'thinking' and reacting to the player.