Games AI seems most associated most with single-player computer games. This is because with single-player games there is no social dimension to highlight (it is up to only the AI for dynamic content). However, AI has an important role yet to play in social "massively multiplayer" spaces, I believe. Consider the features readers of MMOWatch thought were important in RPGs (see site poll) as illustrative. In order of importance (at the time of my reading): "NPC interaction", "Character development", "Exploration", "Combat" (only 5%), "Puzzles", "Questing"...
A call for papers is out (AIIDE '08), details below. Readers here might take this time to suggest to those considering writing what they think are the important qualities of entertainment AI in MMORPGs.
The Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment Conference (AIIDE '08) is soliciting papers and presentations on research and applications involving artificial intelligence in computer games and entertainment. The conference will take place on October 22-24, 2008, at Stanford University in California, USA. Paper drafts and talk proposals are requested before April 22, 2008. More details can be found at the conference website: http://www.aiide.org ...
This year's technical program includes a new Industry Track strictly for presentations in addition to the more traditional Research Track. Industry professionals who do not want to submit an academic paper are invited to propose an Industry Track presentation by submitting short abstract.
AIIDE is hosted by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), and is the premier conference on artificial intelligence in computer games and entertainment. It brings together technical leaders of game development and research to examine how artificial intelligence can improve games and entertainment, exchange information about new developments in the field, and share experiences in deploying AI in commercial products. The conference will feature invited talks from prominent industry professionals and academics, a full technical program, and a lively poster/demonstration session.
The speaker list and conference program will be announced in the summer of 2008. More information about AIIDE '08 can be found at: http://www.aiide.org
