Session Description For some time, the industry has been exploring how to effectively manage the complexity of multiple story arcs, contextually appropriate character behavior, and yet still maintain an over-arching ebb and flow of tension and drama. In their quest, writers and designers have started looking to AI for solutions to these problems. Additionally, many techniques that are already being used in interactive drama can be used to augment traditional games. Through three short lectures, this session gives examples of ways that AI can enable the design and implementation of branching narratives, dynamic adaptive dialog, interactive storytelling, and drama management.
Idea Takeaway The attendee will be presented with a number of examples of how AI techniques have addressed the needs of dynamics, interactive storytelling in games.
Session Description We asked designers from all across the industry to answer a questionnaire of probing - and even outright crazy questions. The intent was to get their heads and assemble a sort of wish list. We then present their answers to a panel of top-notch AI designers and programmers and ask them... how would you go about granting this wish? In what promises to be the most forward-looking session of the AI Summit, this panel should give us all a look into not only what the designers would like in their games, but some ideas on how to address the difficult obstacles in AI.
Idea Takeaway An impression of how much AI technology can accomplish, an insight into the technical design process of experienced developers. This session should be kind of fun and wacky!
Session Description In the past 30 years, game graphics have progressed to the point where still shots and cutscenes can often look extremely realistic. However, as soon as characters act in the world, that sense of believability is often broken. The characters no longer seem alive. Much of the impression that something is alive comes from minutia such as what they look at, how they move, and what they do when they aren't doing anything important. This session examines this phenomenon and gives concrete examples of how to improve the feeling of aliveness in game characters.
Idea Takeaway Attendees will see how including subtle details in the behavior can increase the believability of game characters.
Session Description While there are many versions of post mortem analyses in the game business, sometimes a broad brush approach doesn't highlight what the truly interesting nuggets are. In this session, we asked three AI programmers for recent games (Killzone 2, Brütal Legend, Dawn of War 2) to specifically address some unique challenges they faced in the development of their respective titles. They will describe what the challenges were, how they often arose from design decisions that pushed the boundaries of the typical AI comfort zone, and how these challenges were overcome.
Idea Takeaway The attendee will see examples of creative solutions to AI design problems - and potentially come away with a sense of how stepping outside a comfort zone is not necessarily dangerous.
Take a glance at my preview on Gamasutra of the 12 sessions of the GDC AI Summit. It goes in-depth about what each session entails.
