MASA Group at MODSIM World 2009 - Agent-Based Technology as an Architectural Component in Serious Games

Agent-Based Technology as an Architectural Component in Serious Games Mark Phillips MASA Group

Overview
Simulation and Serious Games are Converging
Challenges to merging cultures
Lessons learned from each industry
Finding the Right Amount of Simulation for the Job
Interoperability
Focus on AI and NPCs
Again, each industry has experience
Approach AI the same way as other simulation components

Converging Worlds
Simulation Goals
High fidelity
Training value
Games
Immersive experience
Short development cycle
All games are simulations but not all simulations are games

Lessons Learned from Simulation
High Fidelity = High Complexity
Joint Simulation System (JSIMS)
Validate
Interoperability Standards
GOTS Approach

Lessons Learned from Gaming
Make it engaging
Find ways to streamline the development process
Provide just enough capability (e.g. path engines)
Tools must work with multiple game engines

Task-worthy Simulation
The right amount/type of simulation for the job – select the best complement of components for the job
Simulation components to be considered:
Terrain size
Entity aggregation level
Physics or Effects Based Models (kinematic, sensor, combat)
Level of 3D modeling and animation
Level of AI automation
Number of Units

The Future: Virtual Worlds
Persistent: available all the time
Social: by nature virtual worlds are social spaces
Problem: how to ensure social contact in persistent worlds

Non-Player Characters
Can enrich virtual worlds and provide social interaction at any time
They can provide:
Presence
Performance Support
Vigilance
Role-Playing

Human Behavior Representation
Traditional Simulation
Academia and industry join forces
Focus on full cognitive architectures
Aim is high fidelity HBR
Games
Looser definition of “AI”
Much development of sub-cognition, e.g pathfinding
Focus on streamlined process
Visuals more important than behavior

Typical HBR Components
The “AI Loop”
These components are in any type of HBR, even the most rudimentary

HBR Decomposition
The decision engine can be decomposed into many potential components
The task-worthiness concept can be applied here

Heterogeneous Representation
The HBR building blocks may naturally lend themselves to different representations
Further emphasizes aptness of “building block” approach
HBR developers should think about working within a common tool chain

Conclusion
Traditional simulation and game worlds are converging
The two disciplines should learn from one another
Virtual worlds are the platform of the future
The need for persistent social contact emphasizes the need for NPCs
Again, simulation and gaming should apply lessons learned in HBR to build NPCs

MASA Group at MODSIM World 2009 - Agent-Based Technology as an Architectural Component in Serious Games

by MASA Group on Oct 20, 2009

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MASA Group at MODSIM World 2009 - Agent-Based Technology as an Architectural Component in Serious Games — Presentation Transcript