Artificial Intelligence, or AI as it’s more commonly known, is a technology that is usually associated with futuristic sci-fi films. In today’s world, this valuable tool is already being used in multiple everyday applications.
Next time you shop online or flick through your streaming service in search of something to watch, AI is working behind the scenes. Your voice enabled assistant and gaming experience is also dependent on this incredible technology.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
In simple terms, AI is the creation of smart machines that can complete tasks that once only a human was capable of. While it sounds futuristic, AI and gaming have been working together for a lot longer than you may realise.
History of AI and gaming
Back in 1952 scientists experimented with AI in a game called Nim’, in which players removed matchsticks, one by one. The game of chess however, is where AI and gaming first came together.
For years people wondered if it was possible to build a computer that could beat a human Grand Master at chess. The intricacies of the game and the skill required to play it, made chess the ultimate test of AI’s capabilities.
During the 1990s, IBM developed the now famous, chess playing computer Deep Blue. In 1997, amidst great excitement, Deep Blue defeated Gary Kasparov, the world champion in a high profile six-game match.
To this day AI continues to play an ever-growing role in gaming, especially in board and card games such as chess and poker. While its previous purpose was to defeat the human player, its role has now changed considerably.
AI and poker
Just as Deep Blue is associated with Chess, Pluribus is the new supercomputer that plays poker. A recent victory in a six-player game of Texas Hold’em, is the first time a machine has beaten more than a single player at this form of poker.
Poker combines strategy, luck, and an ability to read the other players. This skill of anticipating other players moves and bluffs is a major reason why computers have struggled to beat more than one player.
Why is AI used in poker?
Anyone can play poker, but as the super computer Pluribus proved, it can take a while to learn all the skills required. This can put people off from even trying, worried that they will never learn the difference between a poker preflop and a full house.
That’s where AI comes in. It allows new players to experience the fun of playing poker while learning the game at the same time.
Rules of poker
There are many variations of poker from Texas Hold’em to Omaha and Draw, and plenty of rules that go with them. This can seem daunting to a first-time player, so playing with an AI bot is a great way to learn the ropes.
Training
Knowing the rules is one thing, but practice makes perfect. By playing against the computer, players can practice their skills before they finally feel confident enough to use their own money.
The AI used by online sites is able to provide a challenge to the most experienced of players. However, it’s main purpose is to help new players have fun and learn the game at no cost to them.
It gives people the opportunity to learn the intricacies of poker hands and their combinations in real-time. Many sites also allow players to review their gameplay, allowing them to learn how they could have done things differently.
Strategy
Poker is a complex game requiring knowledge of more than just the rules. The outcome of a game depends not only on the cards you are holding, but also your opponents.
Every player therefore needs to learn strategies to cope with the variety of options that are presented in every game. Just because you have a poor hand, doesn’t mean you can’t win.
Bluffing is a key skill for players and one that AI previously struggled to copy. The best poker players practice regularly, testing a variety of strategies before they play in competitions.
The limitations of AI used by online providers won’t allow players to advance the psychological side of their game. But through online practice against the computer, they will achieve a well-rounded understanding of poker that will greatly increase their enjoyment.
Use of AI in video games
Back in 1992, Wolfenstein 3D had soldiers that used a basic form of A.I. Things have changed considerably since then, with AI an integral part of hit RPG titles such as Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty and Assassins Creed.
Many video game developers don’t actually want advanced A.I. in their games. A fear of losing control of the players overall gaming experience being the main reason for this reluctance.
Today, maximizing player enjoyment over long periods of time is the ultimate aim of A.I. in video games. By sensing the ability of the player, AI can tailor games to suit them and thus increase the games playability and longevity.
Future of AI video games
Developers continue to look for ways to enhance players enjoyment through the use of AI. One such avenue is by allowing AI to take on more human characteristics and thus become more collaborative in games.
Should they succeed it opens up the possibility of games not just containing AI, but being created by AI. Potentially, the worlds of RPG games will no longer be limited by the scope of the developer’s imagination or programming skills.
A game created with this technology has no limitations, both in its genre or in its scope. It is an infinite world full of infinite possibilities.
The expertise for machines to create games that are more intricate than human versions may not be there yet. But as Deep Blue and Pluribus have proved before, they will get there in the end.
AI is the new frontier in technology and it is not going away. If anything, we can expect it to be an ever-growing part of our lives as the technology advances.
As for gamers, the great news is we can expect to see some incredible games in the future.