Combining Neural Networks for Controlling Non-player Characters in Games

Authoring the AI for non-player characters (NPCs) in modern video games is an increasingly complex task. Designers and programmers must collaborate to resolve a tension between believable agents with emergent behaviours and scripted story lines. Behaviour trees (BTs) have been proposed as an expressive mechanism that let designers create complex behaviours along the lines of the story they want to tell. However, BTs are still too complex for non-programmers. In this paper, we propose the use of plan traces to assist designers when building BTs. In order to make this approach feasible within state-of-the-art video game technology, we generate the planning domain through an extension of the component-based approach, a widely used technique for representing entities in commercial video games.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

In this work, we intend to explore how motion capture technology can be used in the video game industry as a form of empowerment for female protagonists. We aim to highlight video games in which motion capture was used to portray reality and humanity and whose characters challenge both normative patriarchal and sociocultural values throughout the narrative. For this purpose, we will start by examining the portrayal of women in different media to classify the stereotyped form of their performance, further exploring this representation in video games. The case studies will stem from the Tomb Raider series and the development of the character Lara Croft through motion capture, to recent video games that feature female protagonists such as “The Last of Us Part II” (2020), “Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice” (2017) and “Assassin's Creed III: Liberation” (2012). This way, technology can break standards and enhance the details of action and emotion, revolutionizing the stigma associated with the personality and behavior of female characters in video games. We can conclude that several methods can be used in the industry, however, motion capture is the method that stands out the most in large productions for providing realism and immersion into the narrative. With this study, we were able to understand that it is possible to subvert gender stereotypes and how motion capture technologies were used in video games that intended to abolish the stereotypes associated with these characters.

The article presents the results of a study on the possibilities of building software behavioral components based on large language models (LLMs) and their use in gaming systems. The subject of the research is the behavioral component of non-player characters (NPCs) in computer games, integrated with an LLM. The aim is to explore and analyze the features of applying LLMs to simplify NPC development. The study examines game AI types – reactive, state-driven, and learning-based. Interaction with NPCs through LLMs for chat communication is considered, and analogues of such characters’ behavior and dialogue are explored. The outcome is a designed and implemented API service for interaction with LLMs and an external gaming system with a corresponding software behavioral component that provides functionality for LLM-based interaction. Testing has shown that this system works with 54 unique contextual properties, achieves a maximum system prompt generation time of up to 60 ms, a maximum LLM response parsing and validation time of up to 30 ms, and supports models with at least 14 billion parameters. Keywords: API, LLM, NPC, XML, contextual action, contextual property, software behavioral component.

Previous studies have identified relationships between romantic media consumption and users’ romantic beliefs, but romantic video games (RVGs; i.e., games in which players attempt to foster a romantic relationship with a chosen game character, also called dating games or dating simulators) remain understudied. Using a cultivation framework, we conducted an online survey of female Chinese players to determine their consumption of the RVG genre, identification with their avatars, and parasocial relationships with the romantic targets they pursue in the game, as well as their beliefs about romantic relationships. Although the amount of time spent playing RVGs did not directly predict idealized beliefs about romantic relationships, the hypothesized mediation model revealed that it indirectly predicted romantic beliefs through identification with avatars and parasocial relationships with video game characters. We discuss the implications for studying romantic media, dating simulations, interactive narratives, and other video game genres.

Miyake Yōichirō, an engineer who creates artificial intelligence (AI) for characters in computer games, asserts that current AI technology is rooted in Western philosophical traditions. He argues that when Western AI was created it was not generally acknowledged as intelligent in its own right. It is therefore subjected to verification tests, such as the Turing test, and only if it passes these does it qualify as intelligent. However, Miyake points out that the goal of an AI engineer is to humanise AI by giving it desires and worries. He claims that it is necessary to merge Eastern and Western thought in the design process in order to achieve a more human-like holistic AI. Consequently, the configuration of AI in computer games depends on the perception of the nature of human intelligence held by the game designer. This article examines Miyake’s philosophical approach in defining and producing AI, and how the AI of computer game characters is influenced by the software developer’s view of human beings.