According to a report published by Allied Market Research, the global artificial intelligence (AI) in the video games industry is expected to generate a staggering revenue of $1.1 billion in 2022 and $11.4 billion by 2032, with a CAGAR of 26.8% from 2023 to 2032. As the use of AI technology in daily life becomes more and more prominent, the future of the video games industry can also be expected to undergo various transformations. From the current application of AI in the gaming world to the value of various AI-powered technologies, there is no doubt that artificial intelligence-driven innovations will bring players an unparalleled and advanced gaming experience.
The current state of AI
While it may seem like AI is integrated into anything and everything, one article from Columbia University's School of Engineering explains where artificial intelligence stands with regards to video games today. According to Eric Nesser, global director of 3D and interactive for a multinational advertising agency, AI is used in a few key ways. “Today, video games use AI to enhance computer graphics and create 'intelligent' enemies for players to fight,” he explains. “Today, the most practical and most active application of AI is combining it with technologies like real-time ray tracing for photorealistic lighting, shadows, and reflections.” The Columbia University Engineering post goes on to point out that while the makeup of popular games (especially elements like graphics and interface) make it seem like AI algorithms are already in place, these are “still heavily driven by the same principles that enabled the old-school game called pathfinding.” With that in mind, it's essential to note that this doesn't close the door on the immense possibilities that artificial intelligence can bring to the world of gaming, especially when it comes to the sci-fi genre.
Exploring the possibilities of generative AI
A Forbes article by Swish Goswami highlights the potential of generative artificial intelligence in video games, citing a blockchain-based gaming studio called Parallel. It notes that the studio, known for its digital trading card game of the same name, announced an additional $35 million in funding to support its expansion plans. “One of the expansions has given me even more confidence in my predictions about the advancement of AI in video games,” Goswami said, noting that a recent white paper revealed the studio's plans for Colony. Colony is described as “an AI-powered, never-ending game where every item in the simulation is on-chain.” The description goes on to explain the game, saying players will be paired with a Parallel Avatar, who “act as ground troops, working together to share on-chain resources to navigate an ever-expanding parallel world.” Goswami notes that this is essentially “a sci-fi simulation with AI built in.”
An article from CNN World goes further into the potential of generative AI in video games, highlighting La Forge's Ghostwriter, a text-generating AI tool designed to help writers create a variety of original lines for non-playing characters (NPCs). “The tool takes speech as input and generates body gestures as output, so you can imagine these NPCs expressing themselves with unscripted lines and almost natural body animations synthesized from the voice,” explains Alexis Rolland, development director at La Forge China, the Chinese branch of video game publisher Ubisoft's research and development division. Typically, NPCs are known for their stiff, unnatural movements. But AI-powered technology allows them to be part of a more immersive experience. According to Rolland, by combining generative artificial intelligence elements (such as dialogue and animations), it is possible to create “full-fledged AI-powered NPCs with more natural and unpredictable behaviors.”
Exploring the possibilities of rapid engineering technology
In addition to the use of generative AI in the gaming industry, prompt engineering also has great potential that is worth exploring. Powerful AI language models (such as OpenAI's Chat GPT and Google's Bard) can be used in a variety of useful applications. However, they may fall short in terms of following the exact format and data required for your specific needs. Prompt engineering, on the other hand, works by developing strict output formatting rules and effectively “training” the model with pre-prepared examples through prompts and tests. The result is often a consistent and reliable output. In the field of video games, prompt engineering can transform the creative process. A LinkedIn article goes into detail about the application, stating that prompt engineering, an AI-powered tool, can help both game developers and designers create engaging and personalized experiences for gamers. It notes that prompt engineering allows game developers to create “highly interactive and dynamic narratives that adapt to the player's choices and actions.” Applying this to the sci-fi genre, players benefit from a deeper connection to the game and storyline due to the immersive feeling that prompt engineering brings.
AI technology is rapidly evolving and becoming more prevalent across industries, including video games. With innovative applications such as generative AI and prompt engineering, these technologies offer a glimpse into the future of more immersive and personalized gaming experiences.
