Authoring Behaviour for Characters in Games Reusing Abstracted Plan Traces

Creating the behavior for non-player characters in video games is a complex task that requires the collaboration among programmers and game designers.

Nowadays, video games conforms a huge industry that is always developing new technology. In particular, artificial intelligence techniques have been used broadly in the well-known non-player characters (NPC) given the opportunity to users to feel video games more real. This paper proposes the usage of the MaxQ-Q hierarchical reinforcement learning algorithm in non-player characters in order to increase the experience of the user in terms of naturalness. A case study of an NPC with the proposed artificial intelligence based algorithm in a first personal shooter video game was developed. Experimental results show that this implementation improves naturalness from the user’s point of view. In addition, the proposed MaxQ-Q based algorithm in NPCs allow to programmers a robust way to give artificial intelligence to them.

Americans are increasingly concerned about video games, presumably due to the amount and graphicness of violence they contain. Social Cognitive Theory suggests that people are more likely to imitate characters they see as attractive or similar to self. To date, however, little research has examined attributes of violent characters in video games related to this issue. This content analysis examined 10 minutes of play from 60 of the most popular video games. Adapting the coding scheme from the National Television Violence Study (Smith et al., 1998; Wilson et al., 1997, 1998), various demographic and contextual features of violent characters and violent interactions were assessed. The results show that violent game characters have attributes that are likely to increase the extent to which some players perceive them as attractive and similar. Moreover, these violent characters engage in aggression that is presented as justified or graphic.

Non-playable Character (NPC) is one of the important characters in the game. An autonomous and adaptive NPC can adjust actions with player actions and environmental conditions. To determine the actions of the NPC, the previous researchers used the Neural Network method but there were weaknesses, namely the action produced was not in accordance with the desired so the accuracy was not good. This study overcomes the problem of poor accuracy by using the Logarithmic Learning for Generalized Classifier Neural Network (L-GCNN) method with 6 input parameters, NPC health, distance from players, other NPCs involved, attack power, number of NPCs and NPC levels. While the output is to attack itself, attack in groups and move away. For testing, this study was tested on RPG games. From the results of the experiments conducted, it shows that the L-GCNN method has better accuracy than the 3 methods compared to 7% better than NN and SVM and 8% better than RBFNN because in the L-GCNN method there is an encapsulation process that is data have the same class will. Whereas the L-GCNN training time is 30% longer than the NN method because on L-GCNN one neuron consists of one data where there are fewer NNs in the hidden layer.

Abstract: Applications of fuzzy logic in game creation have proven useful, especially when it comes to modelling the behavior of non-player characters (NPCs) in video games. NPC behavior in video games has historically been governed by strict rule-based systems or scripted sequences, which frequently led to restricted and predictable interactions. On the other hand, fuzzy logic adds a degree of flexibility and ambiguity to the decision-making processes of NPCs. By improving the naturalness, adaptability, and emotional resonance of NPC behavior, fuzzy logic may greatly enhance player experiences in games. It provides players with progressively more engaging and dynamic gaming experiences as it continues to be incorporated into game production, opening up new possibilities for interactive narrative, gaming, and immersive virtual worlds. Based on Utku Kose's article, "Developing a Fuzzy Logic Based Game System," I have investigated the use of fuzzy logic in gaming contexts for NPC decision-making in this study.

Video gaming is now available as a fully immersive experience that creates responsive inputs and outputs concerning the user, and some experimental developers have integrated the use of the voice, brain, or muscles as input controls. The use of physiological signal equipment can provide valuable information regarding the emotion of a player or patient during gameplay. In this article, we discuss five of the most common biosignals that are used in gaming research, and their function and devices that may be used for measurement. We break down those individual signals and present examples of research studies that implement them. We also discuss the usage of biological signals within commercial gaming and conclude with some possible future directions for the use of biological signals in gaming and game research.

Although a Finite State Machine (FSM) is easy to implement the behaviors of None-Player Characters (NPC) in computer games, it is difficult to maintain and control the behaviors with increasing the number of states. Alternatively, Behavior Tree (BT), which is a tree of hierarchical nodes to control the ow of decision making, is widely used in computer games to address the scalability issues. This paper reviews the structure and semantics of BTs in computer games. Different techniques to automatically learn and build BTs as well as strengths and weaknesses of these techniques are discussed. This paper provides a taxonomy of BT features and shows to what extent these features are taken into account in computer games. Finally, the paper shows how BTs are used in practice in the gaming industry.

Creating the behavior for non-player characters (NPCs) in video games is a complex task that requires the collaboration among programmers and game designers. Usually these game designers are responsible of configuring and fine tuning certain parameters of the behavior, while programmers write the actual code of those behaviors. That requires several iterations between them. In this paper, we present a new approach for creating the behavior of NPCs that gives more power to the game designer to create behavior without technical knowledge using program by demonstration but preserving the designer confident of the final behavior.

Imagine a scenario in which players engage in conversations with non-playable characters (NPCs) in video games using a microphone, free from scripted responses or predefined constraints. With the advancement of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), this possibility has become more feasible than ever. This article examines the Mantella mod for The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Bethesda, 2011), which facilitates natural language interactions with NPCs, transforming player engagement within the game’s fictional universe. Skyrim is an action role-playing game (RPG) developed by Bethesda Game Studios. With over 60 million copies sold and releases spanning three generations of gaming consoles, Skyrim has cemented its place in gaming history. A significant factor contributing to its enduring relevance is its vibrant modding community, which has enabled players to modify and expand the game in myriad ways – ranging from graphical enhancements to the introduction of new areas and survival mechanics. This extensive capacity for customization has sustained the game’s popularity for over a decade since its initial release. The primary objective of this article is to investigate the creative appropriation of GAI by Skyrim's PC modding community. Specifically, it addresses the following question: What AI imaginaries emerge from Skyrim gameplay influenced by the Mantella mod? To explore this question, 13 YouTube videos were collected using ethnographic techniques, complemented by a formal gameplay analysis.

This paper introduces a framework for emergent psychosocial behaviour in non player characters in video games. This framework uses concepts behind emergent gameplay to support the mechanics of designer-defined psychological and social concepts, undefined circumstances, and emergence. Based on this framework, a prototype system has been developed. This prototype has been evaluated for realistic emergent behaviour, and has been shown through experimentation to succeed in supporting emergent psychosocial behaviour. The work to date on the framework is encouraging and quite promising for continued work in this area in the future.

This paper explores the issue of male dominance in the video game industry and gaming community. Female game characters in video games are often over-sexualized to suit male preferences due to mainstream social consciousness. This practice not only disregards the needs and experiences of female gamers, but also reinforces gender stereotypes and hurts gender equality. This kind of disrespect and harm to women further spreads to real social life, which is not conducive to women’s physical and mental health. The paper analyses how male hegemony is manifested through the marginalization of women, the distortion of women’s representation, and the objectification of women as objects of male desire from the perspective of social psychology. In addition, the paper explores how gaming mechanics control women in games and real life and further exacerbate this problem by creating ‘second selves’ that perpetuate gender norms. The paper argues for the need to challenge this male dominance and discusses how women can actively resist this dominance in society and the gaming community. Finally, the paper calls for a more inclusive and gender-equitable gaming culture to improve the gaming experience for all players, as well as to promote respect for women in society.

Purpose is to explore the potential of using Blender as an alternative to commercial software for creating 3D characters in video games. To identify the advantages and limitations of Blender compared to industry standards. Methodology. The research employs a comprehensive approach that combines the following methods: сomparative analysis – conducted a detailed comparison of Blender with leading commercial software; empirical research – implemented an experimental project to create a 3D character named Alice as fan art based on the game Alice: Madness Returns (2011), aiming to test Blender’s ability to handle all stages of modeling; content analysis – analyzed literary sources, technical documentation, reviews of professional artists, and industry standards, considering current trends in character design across various graphic styles: photorealism, stylized realism, low-poly, and cel shading; case study – examined practical cases of Blender’s use in professional environments, specifically analyzing the workflows of renowned companies like Rocksteady, Ubisoft, and Epic Games. Analysis of experimental data. Evaluated the effectiveness of Blender’s resource optimization methods, such as retopology, Normal and Bump maps, UDIM, and PBR texture maps. Assessed Blender’s performance on computers with limited resources (8 GB RAM) compared to high-performance systems (64-128 GB RAM). Results. Blender has demonstrated its competitiveness in creating 3D characters for video games, particularly in photorealism, stylized realism, low-poly, and cel shading styles. Despite its technical limitations, Blender’s functionality allows achieving professional results without significant financial investment. The study revealed that with proper workflow optimization, Blender can effectively replace costly commercial solutions in small studios, educational institutions, and among independent 3D artists. Scientific novelty. This article offers a systematic approach to analyzing Blender’s potential for creating 3D characters in the video game industry. For the first time, the technical limitations of Blender and ways to overcome them in professional practice have been thoroughly examined. The study proposes approaches to optimizing the process of creating 3D characters using Blender to achieve the required quality in various graphic styles. Practical relevance. The research findings will be valuable for students, independent 3D artists, small studios, and educational institutions seeking accessible tools for creating 3D characters.

Non-Player Characters (NPCs) are critical to the interactive and dynamic character of modern video games. They inhabit game worlds, engage with players, and play a large role in storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Yet, conventional rule-based NPCs tend to fall short of realism, flexibility, and scalability needed to keep pace with changing player expectations and sophisticated game worlds. This paper discusses the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) engineering techniques with game development to create intelligent, adaptive NPCs. Through modular AI architectures, reinforcement learning, behaviour cloning, and effective deployment strategies, this research presents a complete framework for developing intelligent NPCs that provide increased interactivity and engagement. It also discusses the application of memory repositories to preserve NPC contextual awareness across extended interactions. Comparative analysis and case studies are employed to illustrate enhancements in gameplay dynamics and player experience.

This paper firstly seeks an answer to the question of whether Non Player Characters (NPCs) in Computer Games can also be viewed as game agents where reactivity, autonomy, being temporarily continuous and having goal-oriented behavior are taken as the features of being a game agent. Within this scope, we will try to assess whether naming NPCs as agents point to a desire that one day they would fulfill the requirements of being an agent or whether NPCs actually already fulfill these requirements. Secondly, the paper looks into the AI needs of video games. We present the AI methodologies that are either being used and under research for use in Game AI. The same methodologies are also likely to contribute to the increasing levels of autonomy and goal-directed behavior of NPCs and help them become more agent-like.

Generally, male video game characters represent a hegemonic masculinity based on a patriarchal system that shows as a protagonist and dominant a white, western, heterosexual, wealthy male, disabled man and anti-ecologist. Videogames are one of the most consumed entertainment industry products worldwide. For students, video games are spaces where to find their masculine identity. Therefore, education must include video games. Video games are used as an educational resource for the improvement of the teaching-learning process of students. However, the aim of this study is to propose a didactic method untitled VIGLIAM (acronym for Video Games Literacy from Alternative Masculinities). From this method, firstly, students deconstruct critically the hegemonic masculinity of the characters in video games. Secondly, students build critically and creatively alternative masculinities that promote a fairer and more equal society. From this way, students develop empowering and empathetic skills from categories as gender, race, class, sexual orientation, body and nature. In short, this research is part of masculinities studies in the area of education and it is fundamental in the light of the emergence of posmachism that arises given the possibility of the loss of male privilege.