Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the human intelligence generated and processed by machines and computer systems. It is different from other machine functions because it can learn the acquisition of information as well as the rules for using it. Moreover, AI is capable of reasoning and self-correction. As technology and AI is used in every aspect of life, they also have a great impact on games. By the right use of AI, a revolution can be brought into the gaming industry.
Introduction and History of Artificial Intelligence in Games
AI is nothing new in gaming. It was first introduced in 1949, in a one-player chess game developed by mathematician and cryptographer Claude Shannon. This is where humans started competing against the computer in chess. More complicated side of the human mind was aimed in ‘Sim City’ that came out in the market in 1989, where AI came close to realism even more by allowing players to control complex simulations and get a hold of human characteristics like unpredictability. AI reached its peak in ‘Total War’, coming out in 2000, where players could feel the real emotions of the soldiers in the battlefields through virtual fighters. Since then, AI has applied in various ways to make our gaming experiences better.
Why AI Is the Answer of future gaming
AI is bringing revolution to the gaming industry and helping the developers in many ways, and it will continue to bring changes in the future in similar ways –
The big companies are backing the gaming industry
It is an undeniable fact that the biggest companies of technology play the biggest role in developing and distributing games all over the world. Big names like Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are ruling the worldwide market of consoling gaming. The vision of these companies is very wide, and so is their idea of profit. Online players of this era cannot be attracted or satisfied with only a gaming concept anymore. They must be allowed to explore an unfamiliar gaming world that will pique their interest and satisfy their fantasy as well. Artificial intelligence will the best option to keep up and improve this virtual reality.
Smartphones are the most popular medium
Gone are those days when games only depended on computers. Now, smartphones are used mostly for games. It is easy, lightweight and portable. You can play with your friends and have fun, and this is also quite cost-effective. It is agreed by all gaming companies that mobile phone gaming is a gold mine and will continue to be so in the future as well, which is already proved by the millions of profits of gaming developing company SuperCell, for the massive success of their mobile app games ‘Clash of Clans’ and ‘Clash Royale’.
The power of updating
Game developers know that no matter what they present to their customers, people will only be happy for a short while. After that, the weak points of the games are pointed out, criticized, and the popularity of the game fades slowly. However, ever since the introduction of AI in gaming, games are updated and released in new versions. It is a very effective way to keep the games entertained and have them hooked to your games for decades. This is how the MMO game ‘World of Warcraft’ is still maintaining the huge fan following with millions of players. The games available for smartphones are also open for download and instant updates, which makes the life of gamers easier. So, the future reputation of popular games is safe for a few decades with the help of AI.
Safe online gaming and gambling
Online gambling is very popular in the gaming industry these days and holds one of the fastest growing markets. There are several online platforms where you can play popular classics like roulette, slots and poker. Thanks to AI, players can have a safe gambling experience now. You can check the review of the casino providers and read about it before you sign up. Moreover, AI can detect cheating and frauds in online games. This feature of AI has been noticed when it reported the fraud players of the famous FPS game ‘Counter Strike’ (CS) for using an unauthorized script or a bot.
Introduction of smarter games
More games are being developed by the utilization of advanced AI for improved and challenging gameplay. These smart games are replacing the games with dumb non-playable characters (NPCs) that have always been hated by most gamers. Gamers like horror game ‘Alien Isolation’ and stealth game ‘Hello Neighbour’ are great examples of the new games developed with AI, and many more are to come.
It cannot be denied that AI is one of the greatest technology revolutions to the gaming industry. It will change the way we have played games and provide us with more advanced gaming experiences.