Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a new concept for the video game world. A lot of early video games featured AI models; although primitive, they were an integral part of the gaming experience. Now, with the advancements in AI technology, the video game industry will be able to realize the full potential of its applications.

AI will play a crucial role in the future of the video game industry, and it will not just be for NPC (non-player character) programming but the entire development process of games. This article will explain how, but let’s take a quick look at its historical applications first.

History Of AI In Video Games

The 1994 game DOOM used very basic AI based on A* algorithm (pronounced “A-star”), which was placed in enemy models to follow the player efficiently. It was limited to chasing the player in a straight line and changing directions if obstructed by an object.The use of this algorithm was very prominent in the early FPS games for pathfinding capabilities of enemy characters.

Later in Quake III (1999), we saw AI models that surpassed the ones used in previous games by a huge margin. Quake’s AI was capable of acting on short-term and long-term goals such as picking up ammo or capturing the flag. It was made up of four layers that interacted with each other, which made the game’s bots incredibly realistic.

This picture shows various states that Quake’s AI can be in how it can move between them.

This picture shows Quake bot’s layered architecture.

The use of AI in video games started way before DOOM; its origins can be traced back to 1951, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s that this concept truly came into its own. With the creation of more powerful microprocessors and their integration in fifth-generation consoles, developers were able to run complex AI algorithms that would change gaming forever.

Fast forward to today, enemy AI is capable of reacting to every movement a player makes in a battle, and if there are multiple players, it can adapt accordingly. Present-day AI models in games use sophisticated decision trees to create challenging encounters and can cancel their animations if they are in danger, step back for brief moments, react to healing items, and much more. The following picture shows the decision tree of one of the bosses in the 2022 game Elden Ring.

Future Of AI In Video Games

AI in modern games still has its own limitations; most of it is due to unoptimized hardware. But that is changing now, from procedural content generation to faster game testing, AI will reshape the industry in several ways.

Faster Game Testing

AI can run multiple gameplay simulations at once and go through a game’s code much faster than any human. This will save a great deal of time in the game testing phase of the development which means we will get faster releases. Plus the time saved can be spent on refining the game and other important creative work which will result in high quality content. AI models combined with powerful processors can emulate various devices and operating systems which can be used to optimize games more efficiently.

Creation With Quantum AI

Quantum computing technology plus machine learning results in Quantum AI, a tech so powerful that will not only impact the video game industry but also reshape our understanding of the universe. By leveraging free cloud-based quantum computing solutions, indie developers will be able to make game engines without overspending or consuming excessive time. IBM and Google already have projects that are working on this concept, but we won’t see its practical use for a few more years.

Procedural Content Generation

Procedural content generation is an AI technique that can randomize game content within a dungeon or an open environment to create unique experiences every time. At certain points, games get repetitive and players start losing interest due to a lack of new content, but with procedural content generation, they can enjoy their favorite game longer.

Fast Patch Releases

With the help of AI models, developers can deploy patches faster and release bug fixes as they are found. AI tools can forage hundreds of forums and review a large amount of player feedback to provide developers with valuable insight on game-balancing issues or any other problems that need attention.

Final Words

Generative AI (GenAI) went mainstream with ChatGPT and it attracted a lot of attention for the larger AI technology. As a result, manufacturers are making commercial products that are tailored for running AI algorithms which is good news for gaming. Developers in future will be able to use the power of these AI accelerators to deliver us their true vision for immersion and challenge.