Artificial intelligence is a type of technology that allows a machine or software to emulate a human being in certain actions through machine learning, deep learning, or language processing techniques.
Applied to the video game industry, we can say that artificial intelligence generates the behavior of the so-called NPCs (Non-Playable Characters).
Below, we explain how AI is applied in video games and betwinner casino slots and what characteristics are observed in its development. In addition, we offer you some examples that will help you decide if this is the professional path you want to follow.
Application of artificial intelligence to video games
In the field of video games, the use of artificial intelligence focuses on the behavior of the player controlling the machine, whether it is an opponent or a member of his own side, and this also applies when exploring online slots games or any other casino game, which-just like video games-are testing the field of artificial intelligence as never before.
About video games, there are traditional examples, such as the opposing team in a soccer match or the opponent in a fighting game or chess game. In all these cases, the player faces an opponent who operates the game console or computer.
However, technological advances have made it possible for the field of action of artificial intelligence to extend to other areas, for example:
- Mapping design: this is the total space in which the user moves intending to complete the objective of the game. It is the creation of the levels of the video game, whether scenarios, phases, missions, etc.
- Game creation: there is a genre of procedural video games in which part, or all of the game content is built with algorithms.
In addition, when talking about the way artificial intelligence is applied to video games, two types of architecture must be considered:
- Centralized: the product is developed from top to bottom, with a general plan of action and the commands that develop that plan. This is the usual option in strategy or board games.
- Distributed: it is developed from bottom to top, and artificial intelligence is applied specifically and independently to a game unit (robot, character, etc.). This model is typical of first-person or sports games.
AI techniques in video games
When creating a video game, many techniques are used to create the environment, characters, and other significant elements.
The most frequent method of AI in video games is the NPC, known as the “Non-Player Character.” This is a term used to describe those characters involved in video games that are not controllable by the player himself, but by the video game itself.
It is usually part of the game plot, depending on the player’s decisions regarding the NPCs in video games can have some consequences or others.
Decision trees control NPCs in video games. These trees work with an algorithm where all the movements are taken into account, whether at the moment or in the future, as well as the branch of options to choose the best of them.
Therefore, the different events that the NPC faces, and its possible reactions are programmed.
Usually, pathfinding is used to choose the best path to move from one point to another, considering the environment and the different obstacles. This technique is used for automatic player movement and for NPCs.
Characteristics of video games with artificial intelligence
Some of the features present in video games that use artificial intelligence are the following:
- Degree of difficulty: it is advisable to adjust the level with which the artificial intelligence confronts the player since each video game has its own learning curve, which conditions the time it will take the player to adapt to the difficulty demanded in each level.
- Hidden information: the aim is to prevent the player from knowing prematurely relevant aspects, such as secret parts of a map or data that should only be known once certain objectives are achieved.
- Real-time updating: generally, the artificial intelligence is executed in the less complex moments of the videogame to avoid blocking the main development of the plot.
Examples of video games with artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence makes it possible for video games to have additional functions. Here are some specific examples of video games that have taken advantage of this technology to improve their performance:
- Half-Life 2: thanks to artificial intelligence, enemies, in this case, cockroaches, can attack or scatter independently without moving in a group.
- Medal of Honor: the opponents in this video game can return the grenades the player throws or stand on them to save their teammates.
- Crysis: in this case, the enemies react in one way or another depending on the player’s movements, so their actions are very realistic.
Artificial intelligence seems to have opened up a limitless panorama in the evolution of video games. Today, video games not only have graphics of absolute realism, where the characters look like flesh and blood, but the game experience itself is increasingly convincing: not only is it possible to travel through fantastic worlds and interact with other people, but also with machine-controlled characters of great depth and relevance to the development of the game.
