Artificial Intelligence: Video Games

Can you think of a game without an AI or computer controlled opponent? I certainly can't! One of the most interesting fields of Computer Science is Artificial Intelligence, or known as AI.  There are many applications for AI such as speech recognition (like Siri on iPhone), natural language processing, computer vision, etc.  However, I find games are some of the more interesting applications that utilize AI.  Well what is AI in games? They are techniques used to produce the illusion of intelligence in the behavior of non-player characters.  You could have competent opponents or helpful allies!

How it is implemented depends on the type of game, such as RTS (Real-time strategy), FPS (First-Person shooter), RPGs, sport games, etc.  Here are some common elements in which AI are implemented:

• Event Driven Engine: AI reacts based on events.
• Specific AI Structure: how the AI moves and determines reasoning and its behavior.
• Path-Finding: finding the shortest path to a certain destination.
• Animation sequences for different body parts such as shooting/reloading in FPS.
• Scripted Behavior: show their personality through dialogue, contributing to the overall storyline of the game.
• Collision: detect obstacles in game.

As an SJSU student, I have yet to learn about the algorithms used in video games to create AI. The most popular algorithms used are A(*),  Finite State machines, and Artificial Neural Networks.  Every game you've played has definitely used some sort of AI, and have implemented these algorithms.