In the video "What Makes Good AI?" by Game Maker's Toolkit, the creator discusses the characteristics of effective artificial intelligence (AI) in video games. The video covers general practices, examples of ambitious and ingenious AI, and how different games approach AI to create engaging and challenging gameplay experiences.
One key point made in the video is that good AI allows players to cheat without them noticing. Examples include the Uncharted games, where enemies start with a zero percent chance to hit the protagonist, and the Arkham games, where enemies are told not to turn around during predator sections. These subtle adjustments make the game feel more fair, even though they are biased in the player's favor.
Another important aspect of good AI is its ability to communicate its intentions through short vocal clips or animations. This communication helps players understand what AI characters are doing or planning to do, allowing them to strategize and adapt their gameplay accordingly.
The video also emphasizes that good AI should be predictable, allowing players to devise meaningful goals and plans based on their understanding of the game's dynamics. This predictability enables players to use AI behavior to their advantage and create more engaging gameplay experiences.
Good AI should also be able to interact with the game's systems and environment, creating interesting and dynamic gameplay scenarios. Examples include enemies in Bioshock running to health dispensers during a fight or enemies in Spelunky interacting with other characters and navigating different environments.
Another important characteristic of good AI is its ability to react to the player's actions, creating memorable and personal stories for the player. This can be as simple as guards in Batman games becoming more frightened as their comrades are taken out or as complex as the AI director in Left 4 Dead, which adjusts the intensity of the zombie horde based on the players' well-being.
Good AI should also have its own goals beyond simply killing the player, as seen in games like RimWorld, where animals hunt for food and engage in territorial disputes. This aspect of AI can create more immersive and dynamic gameplay experiences.
Lastly, the video highlights the need for better friendly AI characters, as they can often be a source of frustration for players. Examples of more engaging friendly AI include Treecko in The Last Guardian, which works together with the player to solve puzzles, and Prompto in Final Fantasy 15, who captures in-game photographs that add to the player's experience.
In conclusion, the video "What Makes Good AI?" by Game Maker's Toolkit explores the various characteristics that contribute to effective and engaging AI in video games. By focusing on predictability, communication, interaction with game systems, reaction to player actions, and having their own goals, AI can create dynamic and enjoyable gameplay experiences for players.
