Game AI

CS 4731/8803

Fall 2008

T,Th 1:35 - 2:55
Bunger-Henry, room 380
http://www.cc.gatech.edu/~riedl/classes/2008/game-ai.html

Instructor:
Mark Riedl, riedl@cc.gatech.edu
220 Technology Square Research Building
Office Hours: TBA, and by appointment

General information

Artificial intelligence is often used to market computer games. But the artificial intelligence used in contemporary computer games is often not as sophisticated as the state-of-the-art studied in academia. As processors become faster and more graphic computation is unloaded on to GPUs, more sophisticated AI become possible in computer games. How can artificial intelligence be used to create new forms of entertainment? Artificial intelligence must support the entertainment and engagement of a user. This is a perspective on artificial intelligence that changes the meaning of "optimal" decisions, behavior, etc.

Objectives

• To survey approaches to artificial intelligence that can be applied to games and entertainment
• To develop an appreciation for the complexities of using artificial intelligence to create an engaging experience for the user
• To explore new forms of entertainment that cannot currently be achieved in contemporary computer games
• To acquire skills in thinking about and application of artificial intelligence as a way of creating engaging experiences

Prerequisites

Introductory course on artificial intelligence. As we explore artificial intelligence, it is essential to understand the basic toolkit of approaches to solving problems. Entertainment and games often requires specializations of these basic approaches.

Format

The course will be a combination of literature survey and project work.