< Previous50 edge_ june 2024 W e have reached a time when it is quite impossible to immediately recognise if someone is watching a game or playing one on TV, due to the sheer realism in production. Artificial intelligence plays a key role in making this a reality. Reports reveal that the use of AI in the video game market is set to reach $11.4 billion globally by 2032, a 26.8 per cent CAGR (Allied Market Research). The exponential growth of AI in the gaming industry has not only revolutionised the way games are developed and played, but also heralded a new era of immersive experiences. As mentioned, one of the most significant trends propelling this growth is the rising preference for realistic graphics and animations. With the aid of AI technologies like machine learning and neural networks, game developers are now empowered to create virtual worlds that blur the lines between reality and fiction. The use of AI algorithms, such as ray tracing, enables games to simulate the intricate nuances of light and physics, delivering breathtaking visuals with unprecedented fidelity. Titles like ‘The Last of Us Part II’, ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’, ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ etc. stand as testaments to the power of AI in rendering life-like environments, complete with dynamic lighting, realistic reflections, immersive atmospheres and realistic non-player character (NPC) interactions. But AI’s impact extends beyond mere aesthetics. It revolutionises character animations, breathing life into virtual entities with unparalleled realism and responsiveness. Through the analysis of vast datasets capturing human and animal movements, AI models can generate animations that dynamically adapt to in-game scenarios. In games like ‘Red Dead Redemption 2’ and ‘XCOM: Enemy Unknown’, AI enhances the NPCs by aiding them to learn from their mistakes, correct themselves and change abilities/strengths based on the player. AI-driven game design holds the promise of creating dynamic and personalised gaming experiences. By harnessing the power of machine learning algorithms, developers can craft games that adapt intelligently to player behaviour, offering tailored challenges and experiences that evolve (which is done a bit by ‘XCOM: Enemy Unknown’). This not only enhances replay value, but also fosters a deeper sense of connection between players and their virtual environments. AI can also be used as a solution to streamline game development tasks and support the platform’s expansive community of creators (like the Roblox Assistant: a conversational generative AI tool). Now, AI-driven procedural generation techniques are transforming game content creation, enabling developers to generate vast and diverse game worlds with minimal human intervention. This accelerates the development process and ensures that players are presented with endlessly unique and engaging experiences, keeping them invested for the long haul. With all these AI models in gaming use, I sure hope we don’t end up in a scenario similar to ‘Free Guy’. “AI revolutionises character animations, breathing life into virtual entities with unparalleled realism and responsiveness” Pixel perfect gaming By Arya Devi Commercial Editor, edge backlogthe voice of the digital revolution provocative. innovative. insightful. FOR COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES Priyanka Pillai Group Commercial Manager T: +971 4 444 3399 M: +971 52 576 0260 E: priyanka.pillai@itp.com AN ITP MEDIA GROUP PUBLICATION www.edgemiddleeast.comNext >