Artificial Intelligence in Video Games: How It Works
Video games have come a long way since their inception, from the pixelated 8-bit graphics of the past to the photorealistic 3D graphics of today. One aspect of video games that has also evolved over the years is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is responsible for governing how non-playable characters (NPCs) and enemies in video games behave, and it has become more complex and sophisticated with each passing year. In this blog post, we'll explore how AI works in video games and what makes it seem intelligent.
What is Artificial Intelligence in Video Games?
AI in video games is not the same as the AI that exists in the real world. While real-world AI aims to create virtual minds that can think and learn like humans, video game AI is more about creating rules and conditions that govern how NPCs and enemies behave. As the popular YouTube channel Game Ranks explains in their video, "the enemies are confused by tables." In other words, video game AI is not capable of true intelligence or understanding, but it can create the illusion of intelligence through complex if-then statements.
"If This, Then That"
At its core, video game AI is made up of a series of if-then statements. These statements tell NPCs and enemies what to do in response to certain conditions. For example, a basic if-then statement for an enemy might be "if the player is in front of me, shoot at the player." These statements are programmed by game developers and can range from simple to complex. The more complex the statements, the more "intelligent" the NPCs and enemies seem.
The Illusion of Intelligence
Because video game AI can process information and respond quickly, it can create the illusion of intelligence. For example, an enemy might appear to react to a player's movements in real-time, but in reality, it's just following a set of pre-determined if-then statements. As Game Ranks explains, "it seems like it reacts, it seems like it thinks, and it often does the thing that you would have done if you had rationally considered the conditions."
Learning AI
While most video game AI is not capable of true learning, some developers have experimented with creating AI that can adapt and improve over time. For example, an enemy might start to use more aggressive moves if a player continually thwarts it in a certain way. However, this type of learning is limited and often requires human intervention to set up.
The Future of AI in Video Games
As technology continues to advance, it's likely that video game AI will become even more sophisticated. Already, developers are experimenting with AI that can understand natural language and respond to players in real-time. In the future, we may see AI that can create its own if-then statements based on past experiences or even develop its own strategies for winning.
Artificial intelligence is an essential component of modern video games. It allows developers to create dynamic and engaging worlds that feel alive and responsive to the player's actions. While video game AI is not capable of true intelligence, it can create the illusion of intelligence through complex if-then statements. As technology continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see even more sophisticated AI in video games, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in interactive entertainment.
