Video games have always been a source of entertainment and a tool to kill time for many people. Their history of video games is quite old. Nim was the first computer-based game that was published in 1952. However, video gaming hardware for consumers was introduced in the early 1970s. Since then, gaming emerged as a huge source of entertainment for worldwide users. Moving fast forward to 2023, there are over 3 billion gamers worldwide. This figure accounts for approximately 40% of the entire world’s population.
Adults aged between 18 and 35 are most interested in video games. Video games are generally played using three main types of devices. These devices are smartphones, PCs, and gaming Consoles. The overall revenue amassed by the gaming industry by the end of 2022 was $196.9 billion. Around $103.5 billion was amassed by smartphone video games. Console and PC games collected around $53 billion and $ 40.9 billion, respectively.
People’s interest in video games worldwide is increasing significantly because of easier accessibility and integration of advanced technology, including AI, in the gaming world. The adaptability of AI (Artificial Intelligence) is exceptional, and it has found its application in every field. The video gaming landscape is no different. In fact, video games were the very first place where AI actually found its application. However, the role of AI in video games back then and nowadays is drastically different.
We will discuss the modern application of AI in the video gaming world. Reading this article will help gamers and common users understand how AI plays a key role in making video games more realistic and enhancing the playing experience. Read on to learn more.
What is AI in Gaming?
Before we discuss the applications and benefits of AI in the video gaming landscape, it is essential to understand how it is integrated into video games. The involvement of AI in games refers to the integration of various technologies and techniques that help developers ensure a more dynamic, immersive, and responsive gameplay experience for gamers. It is worth mentioning that the ultimate goal of developers is to enhance the experience of gamers, and AI in gaming is greatly helping them make it possible.
The integration of AI in games is done using Decision Trees (DTs), Deep Neural Networks, Genetic Algorithms, and Reinforcement Learning to add intelligence to NPCs (Non-Player Characters). The integration of AI has enabled NPCs to act smartly over time as the game progresses to ensure a more dynamic gameplay experience. This possibility has allowed NPCs and other entities existing in a particular AI-based game to behave intelligently, decide on their own, and make realistic interactions with gamers.
Applications of AI in the Gaming World
AI finds multiple applications in the gaming landscape. These applications have helped developers ensure an immersive and dynamic gameplay experience for gamers. We will briefly discuss a few AI applications in video games here. Some of them are listed below.
Image Enhancement for photorealistic gameplay using a deep learning system.
Game level generation or PCG (Procedural Content Generation) using advanced AI algorithms.
Generation of scenarios and stories to ensure an interactive narrative in games using AI in response to actions taken by the players during gameplay.
Balanced in-game complexity using an advanced AI algorithm capable of predicting future effects.
AI is getting used to providing a virtual mind to NPCs to make gamers feel like they are interacting with real entities.
Pathfinding is another effective application of AI, which is used to create the terrain of a game based on the actions of players.
Benefits of AI in the Video Gaming World
After discussing the integration of AI and its standout applications in video games, it is time to discuss a few benefits of AI in the world of video games to help you understand its impact. Read on to learn more.
Adaptive Gameplay
The most obvious benefit of AI in the gaming world is the introduction of adaptive gameplay. Integration of advanced AI algorithms in video games has made it possible for games to analyze actions taken by gamers, learn patterns, and understand game speed. This possibility has helped developers to remove monotony from the games and make them consistently challenging for the players.
Exceptional Experience
Another great thing about integrating AI into video games is the enhanced gaming experience. Games can now exhibit realistic situational developments during the game’s progress. This possibility has significantly added to excitement during the gameplay. This added excitement keeps players around for a long time and ensures an exceptional experience.
Life-Like NPCs
NPCs are not something new in the gaming world. In fact, they were included in video games from the very beginning. However, those NPCs were programmed to react according to various possible situations. The NPCs included in modern-day games have virtual minds, enabling them to make decisions, sense a situation, and react accordingly. Moreover, they can also learn new things as the game progresses through the players’ actions.
Quick Testing and Bug Detection
A great benefit of AI in video games is efficient testing and bug detection using AI. This testing procedure can simulate all possible gaming scenarios and spot glitches. This quick identification of glitches makes it possible for developers to balance them out efficiently in a shorter time than manual texting.
In the End
AI is finding its applications in every field of life and creating a solid impact. The gaming world has also seen the integration of advanced AI algorithms and methods. This integration of AI has successfully helped gamed designers and developers ensure an immersive gameplay experience for gamers capable of hooking them and keeping them around for longer durations. We have discussed the applications and benefits of AI in this article to help you understand the relationship between AI and the gaming world. Hopefully, you will find it useful!
