Almost a year ago, the internet blew up with videos of background characters in video games, also known as non-player characters (NPCs), going through an identity crisis after being told they were in a game. Their reactions were very realistic to human behavior, to the point of fuelling conspiracy theories about whether or not WE are in a simulation. 

If you didn’t already know, what we saw were the demo videos from Replica Studios Smart NPCs. The rapid development and refinement of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI over recent years has allowed them to be integrated into various media platforms, games included. This has laid the foundation for more interactive gameplay, and leads us to wonder about the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the gaming industry. 

AI powered NPCs are just the beginning, and if we continue on this upward trajectory of technological advancement, we’ll be experiencing a lot of AI integrated gameplay sooner than we think.

Enhancements in Game Development
 

Designing Made Simple

A recent study  highlights the different ways in which the game development process could be significantly sped up with the aid of AI tools. Tasks that would normally take hours and even months to complete, like designing dimensional environments and tiny objects to populate it, can be done by a simple prompt. We’ve already witnessed how AI can add or remove certain elements in an image or scene with the growing popularity of Photoshop AI. And while it may still need some serious refinement at this stage, generative images are looking more realistic by the day.

Testing the Game 

After it’s been designed and developed, the game goes through a set of tests to facilitate improvement and refinement. This process can take months, and it can often be the reason why games are released well after the announced date. AI-powered simulation tools can play through games much faster than humans, identifying issues with mechanics, balance, and difficulty more accurately. The detailed feedback from AI testing will allow developers to refine games more precisely and quickly, resulting in higher-quality games in shorter time frames.

More True to Life Gaming Experiences 

In addition to the developments that we’re already starting to experience, tech advancements in other areas could potentially inspire different levels of creativity in the game sphere. 

See the World Differently

If you’ve ever come across those panoramic images on the internet that allow you to see a 360 degree view of different landscapes and landmarks, then it may be easy to imagine how a VR headset can allow you to enjoy Paris from the comfort of your living room. It’s possible that in the future, you’ll be able to get a virtual tour of any place in the world, complete with  AI generated feedback from your tour guide that can answer even the most mundane questions about certain areas. 

Interactive Gameplay at Its Finest 

Can you imagine games that observe how you play and change as you go to give you a gaming adventure that’s completely unique and totally catered to you? Some of the major benefits of social media algorithms include providing the most relevant content at all times, catered to the individual.

In the same way that algorithms can keep up with your activities on the internet and give you content and ads that meet your needs, AI has the potential to make gaming a catered experience.

The Story of AI and Gaming: A Match Made in Virtual Heaven

To wrap it up, the future of AI in gaming looks incredibly promising. With the rapid advancement of technology, we’re witnessing the dawn of a new era where AI-powered NPCs, streamlined game development processes, and immersive experiences are becoming the norm. From faster game development to more true-to-life gaming experiences and interactive gameplay tailored to individual players, the possibilities are endless. 

As we continue on this upward trajectory, it’s not a question of if AI has a future in gaming, but rather how it will continue to shape and redefine the gaming landscape in the years to come. It’s about to be an interesting journey of discovery. So, buckle up and get ready for a gaming revolution unlike anything we’ve seen before.