Why love AI? It's the future! Graphics can take a seat
by Nick Doerr 
{ Sep 5th 2006 at 11:30AM }
Sony UK boss Ray Maguire wants to turn the focus of games away from graphics and onto complicated, realistic artificial intelligence that will make not only the game, but the characters, more realistic and compelling. He spoke about not only the PS3 but all next-gen consoles when he said: "We are no longer interested in graphics per se, because graphics chips can do that for us, but the central processors of all the new games machines are about making games more compelling by adding in artificial intelligence." It is true that high-end PCs will always be one notch above any new console, so the move into AI is a fantastic move. Nobody wants their WWII squadmates running into a wall when you tell them to secure the area.To emphasize his point, Maguire showed a clip of a woman "auditioning" for a movie role (we've seen this somewhere... hmm...) and she talked through her relationship with her husband up until she decided to murder him after discovering he was having an affair. The gamut of emotions was the central point -- Maguire says all characters should be able to display such emotional impact in next-gen games. What do you guys think? Should AI be a bigger part of gaming now that graphics have reached a comfortable peak for the time being? Or should we try to find ways to make graphics better, or seek different art styles in gaming? We've got true interaction coming our way with the Wii and the PS3 EyeToy, great graphics... AI sounds like a logical way to progress.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Omen_20 @ Sep 5th 2006 1:11PM
Yes! Physics and and AI are the two things that will move the industry forward. Graphics dont matter after the first 10 minutes. But increased realness from AI and physics is what makes you think "Wow! This is next gen!"
I'm glad you mention EyetoyHD. I'm a big supporter and can't wait to see what it brings through 1st party and 3rd party titles. I think movement will be a big thing next gen with Wii, Eyetoy, and PS3 tilt. After getting used to motion I think playing a system like 360 will seem old and stail. PSWii FTW.
Games like Brothers in Arms need AI increase. Without it its pretty much the same as last gen you know?
Omen_20 @ Sep 5th 2006 1:17PM
Yes! Phsycis and AI is what is going to make next gen. Graphics get old after 10 minutes. Think about games like Brothers in Arms. They would be the same as last gen without any AI increase.
I'm glad you mention EyetoyHD. Im a big supporter of it and EyetoyPSP. Im also a PSWii fan. With Eyetoy, Wii, and PS3 tilt I think motion will become second nature. Playing a 360 will seem old and stail in comparison.
Think about Killzone PS3's trailer. People were awed by the fake graphics. But what made everyone go insane was the scripting. It was the fake AI that made everyone scrutinize it so much. Graphical jumps arent that impressive anymore. AI and Physics however are. They actually make the game more immersive and real.
SuicideNinja @ Sep 5th 2006 3:38PM
I think AI is important for many things. Graphics are going to be less impressive as we move forward with technology, so changing focus to more-help-needing areas is a good strategy.
Effective AI could make for some new and interesting games, or even new ways to play existing genres and games. Games could involve more interaction with player, especially if voice recognition is added to the picture.
Imagine your verbal and controlled actions actually making a difference on how the game's characters react to you, as opposed to the preconceived "choose your own adventure" types that claim to have the ability.
Tons of possibilities, and years of brainstorming ahead to keep things fresh.
Renarudo @ Sep 5th 2006 2:53PM
Graphics are important, no one wants to play a bad looking game. However, in this generation, this is the first time we can take graphics for granted. The bare minimum of visual prowess will be leaps above the previous generation, so I agree, graphics can take a seat.
AI and physics make a game. Maybe, for instance, we'll finally see a Gran Turismo that incorporates damage.
boots @ Sep 5th 2006 8:40PM
Graphics do matter, and they'll always will, it's just that we will notice less. However, there are other things that do matter, such as physics and AI... but again, it doesn't really matter if the game is "smart", "pretty" and "realistic" if it's not *fun*.
To me, the most important things are gameplay (which can definitely be enhanced by physics and AI), amount of content (which needs big amounts of storage, such as Blu-ray), highly appealing characters (somewhat depending on graphics), and a nice storyline.