Revolutionizing NPCs with Artificial Intelligence in Video Games

Revolutionizing NPCs with Artificial Intelligence in Video Games

Large language models and generative AI are topics that most video game developers would rather avoid. However, such barriers don’t exist for regular folks. People are already experimenting with AI technology in existing games. Modding communities have begun using platforms such as ChatGPT to give voice to NPCs and followers in games like Skyrim and Stardew Valley.

Modding Communities Pioneering AI-Driven NPCs

A Starview Valley modder, DualityOfSoul, created a mod that uses OpenAI’s ChatGPT API to expand many of the game’s NPC conversational trees. Usually, players can only speak to NPCs a few times per day, but Duality’s “AI Valley” mod gives computer-controlled characters enough voice to carry on long free-form conversations.

Another modder, Tylermaister, developed a Skyrim mod using the same API to create a follower that can coherently converse on just about any game-related content. The follower, Herika, has at least a rudimentary understanding of the map. So, if the player asks her where Riften is, she can describe the hold’s location.

Challenges and Limitations of AI-Driven NPCs

While these mods are exciting applications of LLM technology, they have several drawbacks. Some of the limitations include:

While it’s fun to think about a day when you can chat with an NPC like it’s your best buddy, it still has a long way to go. The unpredictability of LLMs and their potential to break the intended narrative of a game make it unlikely that we’ll be seeing the broad implementation of chatbots in video games any time soon.