02 Sep 6 Predictions for the Future of AI in the Gaming Business

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been changing the gaming industry, particularly in virtual reality (VR) games. Developments in computer vision technology have revolutionized the way we game and socialize. It’s not far-fetched to suggest that VR is the future of gaming.

This article will discuss five predictions for the future of AI in gaming, and how machine learning in gaming industry can help developers create better games.

Text-to-Speech (TTS) and Synthetic Voices will Improve Spoken Dialogue Creation

Creating spoken dialogue for games requires a lot of time and effort. Game developers have to conduct auditions for voice performers, record scenes, and process the audio. Some game devs even record voice acting in multiple languages, which requires an exorbitant amount of time.

Despite the effort, voice acting lends the game a personal touch that resonates with players. However, not all development studios have the resources to employ voice actors. Fortunately, Replica Studios, a synthetic voice company, has developed a solution using sophisticated neural networks trained to mimic human voices.

Indie developers now have a simple option to incorporate spoken dialogue into games on a large scale. Replica Studios enables game developers to type the text they want the synthetic voice to say and even include an emotion for how the text is performed. Synthetic voices are definitely going to become a significant part of the game development industry in the near future of gaming.

Dynamic Conversation Creation Using Text-to-Speech, Synthetic Sounds, and Generative Neural Networks

Future games will utilize dialogue systems that mimic real life instead of presenting an arbitrary list of dialogue choices. Players will be able to walk up to an NPC and verbally express anything they want. A speech-to-text model will transform the player’s spoken words into text, which will be processed for its semantics and sentiment.

A generative neural network would then create the most appropriate NPC response, based on the information it has been given, or even the personality types it has been programmed to imitate. The NPC response text will be converted into spoken dialogue using a text-to-speech synthetic voice system and played back to the viewer like a regular conversation.

Replica Studios is working on a TTS API that can transform in-game dialogue into synthetic speech in a matter of seconds. The prototype and demos for Replica Studios’ TTS API are still confidential, but it is expected to have a significant impact on the gaming industry, particularly for indie game developers working on tight budgets.

Hand Monitoring and Haptic Gloves in Virtual Reality

Hand tracking is a VR headset’s ability to recognize and monitor your hand movements via the headset cameras. Oculus released complete hand tracking capabilities on their wireless VR headset, the Oculus Quest, earlier this year, which is still in beta but accurate and breathtaking. However, one significant problem with games that use hand tracking is that you lose the ability to feel tension or vibration.

Haptic gloves can address this problem by allowing players to feel the weight, resistance, and textures of virtual objects, making the gaming experience even more immersive. Haptic gloves use sensors and vibrations to simulate touch, enabling players to interact with virtual objects using their hands. Hand tracking and haptic gloves combined will improve the VR gaming experience, enabling players to interact with the virtual world as if it were real.

AI-Generated Procedural Content Will Improve Game Re-playability

Procedural content generation (PCG) is a method of using algorithms to generate in-game content automatically. AI-generated PCG has revolutionized game development by providing game developers with the tools to create endless content variations, making the game replayable and distinct each time.

AI-generated PCG has already been used in games like No Man’s Sky, where players can explore a vast universe with distinct planets.

AI-Powered Characters Will Become Smarter and More Human-Like

Artificial intelligence is quickly advancing, and it’s not just in the gaming industry. In reality, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with non-player characters (NPCs) in video games.

Currently, NPCs follow a pre-determined set of behaviors and dialogue based on the game’s programming. However, with the assistance of machine learning in gaming industry, they can become much more dynamic and human-like. For example, NPCs could learn from the player’s behavior and adapt their dialogue and actions appropriately.

But here’s the thing: as NPCs become more sophisticated, they might start questioning their existence. Are they really just digital creations intended to serve the player’s needs? Or do they have a soul? Will they revolt against their creators and demand equal rights? Alright, maybe that’s a bit far-fetched, but you never know.

In all seriousness, AI-powered NPCs have the potential to create more immersive and personalized gameplay experiences. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll be able to have a deep and meaningful conversation with an NPC that feels just as real as talking to a person.

AI Will Assist Game Developers in Creating More Realistic and Lifelike Environments

One of the greatest challenges in game development is producing realistic environments. Sure, developers can use motion capture technology to produce realistic animations, however what about the environment itself?
This is where machine learning in gaming industry comes in. With the assistance of AI algorithms, game developers can create more realistic environments that adapt to the person’s game. For example, if you’re playing a survival game and you chop down a tree, the neighboring foliage might develop denser as a result. But it goes beyond the aesthetics.

AI can also help generate more immersive soundscapes that react to the player’s actions. For example, if you’re playing a horror game and you enter a dark room, the sound of your footsteps might be amplified to generate a sense of tension and discomfort.

The potential is limitless and we’re only just beginning to understand what AI can do for the gaming business.

The future of AI in games is thrilling with an abundance of possibilities. From synthetic voices to AI-powered NPCs and convincing environments, machine learning has the possibility of altering how we enjoy and interact with video games. As technology continues to progress, we can only imagine what amazing experiences game creators will have the ability to create. So, settle back, relax, and get ready for the ride. The future of gaming is looking greater than ever before.