AI in Computer Games: From the Player’s Goal to AI’s Role

This paper addresses the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a variety of game genres. Every game aims to entertain (though educational games have secondary objectives). Each genre approaches entertainment in a unique way. We explore the methods used to draw the game player’s attention. We then consider how the AI interacts with the player to promote both entertainment and an interactive environment. We also consider some of the techniques that will shape tomorrow’s games. Included are opponent strategies, interactive environments, and multiagent systems (MAS). While different, each approach can aid in creating more immersive and challenging gaming experiences. Our goal is to create an AI opponent that is not only a capable opponent but also reacts to and improves with player. We consider what elements are necessary to create an opponent capable of creative use of its environment. The game environment, too, is extremely important in creating an immersive experience. Finally, we consider the possibility of creating games that include emergent behavior and multiagent systems