AI and its Presence in the Gaming Industry
By
ChicMic Studios
May 29, 2024
There was a time when artificial intelligence was limited to research with considerably small applications. Today, AI is a serious part of the gaming industry, with 87% of game development companies actively using AI. These numbers are destined to reach 99% as AI becomes sharper, cleverer, and cheaper. Since AI began with a checkers game in 1951, it was about time AI would completely aid game development companies. Join ChicMic, and let’s learn more about AI and its presence in the gaming industry.
Defining AI in Gaming
AI in gaming translates to integrating and employing artificial intelligence technology into the game development cycle for adaptive video gaming experiences. Developers worldwide use current AI to redefine player experience and enhance video game development. It involves improving game mechanics, designing more immersive worlds, and creating NPCs that behave more naturally to the player’s actions.
Currently, AI procedural generation, or procedural storytelling, is also in high use. It allows algorithmically production of game data instead of a developer building each element specifically.
Applying AI in gaming
AI’s influence in the gaming industry is growing and transforming the landscape with each passing day. Here are some concrete uses of AI in game development:
AI Upscaling for better graphics
Developers are using “AI Upscaling” to improve graphics. It involves converting a low-resolution image into a high-resolution image with better visual appeal. This method is beneficial in giving vintage games a new life, allowing users to enjoy modern graphics on old tech.
Non Player Characters (NPCs)
The first place where AI applications were visible was the NPCs. AI-enabled NPCs react naturally to player inputs, and their actions are defined by automatic rules and cannot be overridden by a game player. This means players get a more realistic feel, which improves immersion and game dynamics.
Procedural Content Generation (PCG)
Generating game assets like objects, characters, accessories, outfits, maps, missions, etc., is a tedious task that takes ages to build manually. Today, developers and designers are investing their time in using AI to generate these assets. This creates highly detailed assets and maps within a short time and satisfies player requests. Some studios are even experimenting with AI to make interactive stories.
Player-Experience Modeling (PEM)
Another highly attractive area of AI influence in game development is PEM. It involves using mathematics to simulate player experience and predict whether a player likes or dislikes a game. This is crucial in player experience modeling to assess player’s cognitive and emotional states and modify the game mechanics appropriately.
Data Mining and Quick Analytics
With 2.5 billion players enjoying gaming worldwide, you can expect much data to be generated. While this data is a gold mine, it all comes down to finding a way to mine it. Monitoring and taking opportunistic steps is a great challenge; thus, gaming companies are employing AI and machine learning. AI will enable companies to mine data and provide fruitful real-time insights.
The Latest Trends in AI Gaming
AI in gaming has made a strong case for itself. Game development companies, big and small, are actively investing resources and money to include AI in as many areas of game development as possible.
1. Adaptive Difficulty
AI is being utilized to adapt to the difficulty of games in real-time based on the player’s skill level. This ensures that games remain challenging yet enjoyable, avoiding frustration or boredom. Games like “Left 4 Dead” employ AI Director systems to modify the game difficulty dynamically.
2. Personalized Gaming Experience
AI analyzes player behavior and preferences to tailor gaming experiences. This includes recommending games, customizing in-game content, and even dynamically adjusting storylines based on player choices and playstyle.
3. Realistic Visuals and Animations
AI-driven technologies like deep learning enhance graphics and animations, making them more realistic. Techniques like neural networks are used for tasks like upscaling images (e.g., Nvidia’s DLSS) and generating realistic character animations and facial expressions.
4. Voice and Gesture Control
Advancements in natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision enable more intuitive game controls through voice and gesture recognition. This allows for more immersive and interactive gameplay experiences, as seen in games like “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,” which uses voice commands for specific actions.
5. AI in Game Testing and QA
AI tools are being deployed to automate and improve the efficiency of game testing. These tools can identify bugs, performance issues, and other quality concerns much faster than human testers, reducing the time and cost involved in game development.
6. AI-Generated Music and Soundscapes
AI is being used to create adaptive music and soundscapes that respond to in-game events and player actions. This enhances games’ emotional and immersive aspects. Games like Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice has implemented dynamic soundscapes to reflect the protagonist’s psychological state.
7. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
AI is playing a crucial role in advancing VR and AR gaming. AI algorithms improve tracking accuracy, predict player movements, and create more immersive and responsive virtual environments. Titles like “Half-Life: Alyx” demonstrate the potential of combining AI with VR to create highly engaging experiences.
8. Ethical AI and Fair Play
A growing focus is on ensuring that AI in games promotes fair play and does not reinforce negative behaviors or biases. Developers are increasingly aware of the ethical implications of AI and are working to create inclusive and fair gaming environments.
Is AI in gaming really that crucial?
Yes, to improve the gaming experience. In gaming, developers need AI to deliver consistent gaming experiences to players across different devices. Today, gaming is a complex choice between console, mobile, or desktop. Players are investing heavily in better gaming software and hardware and thus expect a highly immersive experience. AI is aiding developers in delivering console-like experiences across all platforms.
Concluding Note
While AI has been omnipresent within the gaming industry, we’re just seeing its impact as players and outsiders. The collective aspiration to create highly realistic and personalized gaming experiences has allowed deeper AI integration into the game development cycle. Embracing AI to create better games and similar experiences is a necessity and a desire that would enable groundbreaking innovation, connectivity, and inclusivity.
