The emergence of Sikkim Game is bringing exciting new horizons to video game design. The ability for AI to create and evolve gameplay and virtual worlds has already spawned a host of intriguing demos and prototypes. But what does this really mean for the future of video games?

AI has long been used to make the physics of game play more accurate and engaging. For example, FIFA uses advanced AI to ensure that football gameplay has scientifically sound physics. The same technology also powers Booker Dewitt’s companion Elizabeth in Bioshock Infinite, who reacts to the player and exhibits human-like behavior.

Exploring AI-Based Character Animation and Movement

But generative AI (gen AI) is taking this gaming technology to the next level. By using machine learning to generate and modify game environments, characters and stories, gen AI is enabling games to adapt and grow as players advance through them.

This is a powerful tool that could greatly speed up the lengthy, expensive development cycle of video games. It would allow developers to test and experiment with a wide variety of ideas and see which ones work, without having to spend time and resources building them from scratch.

But it’s not without risks. Most video game developers are naturally a bit wary of any nondeterministic AI, especially one that makes decisions on its own. Unpredictability is hard to test and debug.

And if developers aren’t careful, generative AI could end up making some really silly and embarrassing mistakes in the process of testing. That’s why it’s important that these tools be carefully vetted before they get into the hands of designers and game testers.