AI for game production

Abstract

A number of changes are occurring in the field of computer game development: persistent online games, digital distribution platforms and portals, social and mobile games, and the emergence of new business models have pushed game development to put heavier emphasis on the live operation of games. Artificial intelligence has long been an important part of game development practices. The forces of change in the industry present an opportunity for Game AI to have new and profound impact on game production practices. Specifically, Game AI agents should act as “producers” responsible for managing a long-running set of live games, their player communities, and real-world context. We characterize a confluence of four major forces at play in the games industry today, together producing a wealth of data that opens unique research opportunities and challenges for Game AI in game production. We enumerate 12 new research areas spawned by these forces and steps toward how they can be addressed by data-driven Game AI Producers.