Proper AI npcs

Riotact007

Hi,
Every new game has the odd new feature and better graphics but npcs have always been limited. Mmos are driven by players. 
With improving ai technically, I'm just, wondering when you think there will be games with fully fledged ai characters, almost so real they seem like human players. Would change the dynamics of gaming I reckon. What do you think? 

Sovrath

Depends on what you mean by fully fledged ai characters?

 If you mean better at combat that has existed for years. The issue is creating an ai system that doesn’t stomp the player(s) into the ground but can give a reasonable and winnable challenge.

If you mean they are able to engage the player in conversation then that is happening now with good but mixed results. 

If you mean actual reasoning ai then that is still a bit off.

Amaranthar

Sovrath said:

Depends on what you mean by fully fledged ai characters?

 If you mean better at combat that has existed for years. The issue is creating an ai system that doesn’t stomp the player(s) into the ground but can give a reasonable and winnable challenge.

If you mean they are able to engage the player in conversation then that is happening now with good but mixed results. 

If you mean actual reasoning ai then that is still a bit off.

I can see NPCs as typically used, with jobs or whatever, but with much better AI. From what I've read, they can be given "personality traits" and such, so they make some low level decisions on the fly. 

For example, an NPC Shopkeeper might be a spy for the Thieves Guild, and ask a Player questions pertaining to such activities, as well as note if they buy something related to thieving, and pass anything important along. 
A Player with thieving skills might be recruited by an NPC from the Thieves Guild (NPC) for a mission, and follow ups, leading to eventual membership. 

A Player Thief might also have an NPC Assassin contracted to do them in, NPC Thieves to break into their home to steal a significant item learned of (with skill chances to find it), or whatever. 

This can be done with a lot of Character "Class" types, or even generally based on actions by Players. 

Conversations can be expanded based on the knowledge of the NPC (and its personality traits). This could add a lot to mysteries in a game. 

Better Choice options can come into play for MOBs, adding a lot to not only combat, but the MOB's den, dungeon or otherwise. 
For example, a Lich in a Ruins might have a crystal ball that allows it to scan its surroundings, and take actions against intruders. 
Actions like attacking, setting traps, summonings, etc., beyond the norm for the location type. This would allow for said Lich to move to a new location, and with no need from GM actions, take up where it left off. 

Wargfoot

AI = most overrated tech since NFTs/Blockchain