A.I. in Video Games
Role-Playing Games (RPG)
Jason Robinson
What is a RPG
A rocket propelled grenade, commonly
used against enemy armored vehicles in
the military. Not today’s topic.
 A game in which the participants assume
the roll of fictional characters and
collaboratively create or follow a story line.

RPG Example
World of Warcraft
AI in RPGs
AI is a semi-rare element in most RPGs
 Most events are scripted (logic)
 Human interaction generally has minimal
effect on Non-player character (NPC)
actions.
 Example: WoW Raid Encounter

Massively Multiplayer Online RPGs
MMO RPGs require even less AI than
single-player RPGs
 Human players are the natural intelligence
which takes the place of AI
 In today’s game market, the focus is very
heavy on multiplayer, so AI is fading more
and more from these games

HCI in RPGs
Human-Computer Interaction is the driving
element in most RPGs
 Most RPGs allow interaction through a
User Interface (text or graphical)
 Most RPGs use an event-driven scheme
for HCI

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Ex. You cast a spell at an enemy, which
causes the enemy to retaliate
HCI Elements

Channels
Audio
 Visual
 Tactile

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Dynamics

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Range of message intensity
Scope and complexity of implemented
features
Environment

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The environment is the
medium to communicate
to the world and other
players
Players can use an array
of elements to
communicate, such as
visual gestures, textual
chat, or auditory notions.
Of course, throwing a
fireball in someone’s face
is a good form of
communication as well
Language-based Communication
Of all the communication means,
language-based communication is the
most widely used in RPGs
 In single player, you talk to NPCs to obtain
quests and further understand of the story
line.
 In multiplayer, you talk to NPCs as well as
other players to achieve common goals
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