Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[League of Legends update bringing sharper AI, new bots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/league-of-legends-update-bringing-sharper-ai-new-bots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/league-of-legends-update-bringing-sharper-ai-new-bots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/league-of-legends-update-bringing-sharper-ai-new-bots/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- League of Legends
League of Legends is well known for its challenging team-based gameplay and its rather steep learning curve, leading many users to play co-operatively against AI in order to hone their skills. In addition, co-op vs. AI is "the primary game mode for a surprisingly large percentage of users" according to senior producer Mark Norris. In light of this, Riot Games is bringing a huge new update to League of Legends' AI matches.

For starters, Riot will be introducing AI bots for a whopping 40 of the game's champions, allowing players to test their mettle against a wider variety of opponents. In addition, the AI itself is in for an update that will allow bots to behave more like their human counterparts by utilizing predictive targeting for skillshots (such as Ashe's ultimate) and employing a great deal more strategy than the current bots. Of course, there are still some things that bots can't do (such as intelligent jungling), but Norris suggests "that's actually a huge advanced area that we do want to look at and get into, that we're in the the real rudimentary stages of trying to figure out right now."

For the full details on what awaits players in the upcoming AI update, just click on through the link below and read the full story.

MassivelyLeague of Legends update bringing sharper AI, new bots originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiartificial-intelligencebotsco-opco-op-vs-botsco-operativecooperativef2pfree-to-playleague-of-legendslolmark-norrismobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenapatchpatchesriotriot-gamesupdateupdatesTue, 24 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mortal Online announces a new expansion called Awakening]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mortal-online-announces-a-new-expansion-called-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mortal-online-announces-a-new-expansion-called-awakening/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/mortal-online-announces-a-new-expansion-called-awakening/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

All that brilliant architecture left no budget for paint.
Mortal Online has already launched one expansion, but the game's second expansion in its two years of operation will soon join the first. Awakening has just been announced and is set to bring a variety of improvements to the game. The centerpiece is the introduction of Tindrem, the eponymous Tindremic capital and the home of the Emperor. The sprawling city encompasses several districts, but there's more to the city than the orderly facade it presents to travelers.

The expansion will provide more than simply a new city, however. It offers improved artificial intelligence and a better user interface to players, along with new dungeons in which players can test their skills against improved enemy intelligence. There's also a new set of special Trade Brokers in the cities, dyes for clothing and armor, and several other improvements that should be cheered by every Mortal Online player.

[Thanks to James for the tip!]

MassivelyMortal Online announces a new expansion called Awakening originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiareasartificial-intelligenceawakeningcitiesexpansionsmomortal-onlinemortal-online-awakeningnew-areasnew-citiesnewspatchesstar-vaultuiupdatesuser-interfaceFri, 13 Jan 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic impresses fans with combat AI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/star-wars-the-old-republic-impresses-fans-with-combat-ai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/star-wars-the-old-republic-impresses-fans-with-combat-ai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/star-wars-the-old-republic-impresses-fans-with-combat-ai/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The staff at Bioware gave many players the chance to run through Star Wars: The Old Republic while the game was still in its Alpha stage. Even Massively detailed our hands-on session as with the smuggler class, although at E3 all classes, save for Jedi classes, were available for people to try out. Darth Hater's staff was lucky enough to play each class and gave an in-depth review of quest functions, grouping, dialogue, AI, and combat.

Although Darth Hater's reporters say that most of the functions are quite impressive, they seemed most astounded by the versatility and awareness of the artificial intelligence of mobs. Sado, a reporter for Darth Hater, comments about the aggro system in the article, "[NPCs] watched you, but as long as you passed by and did not get too close to them or their buddies there was no issue. On the other hand, the roaming Separatist sentry droids would aggro from quite the distance and give chase." Presumably, if you do actually cross the attack threshold, there are a variety of reactions depending on the type of mob. Sado continues a bit later in the article, "The [NPC] Separatist's actions varied once engaged in battle. It seemed as if it often depended on what cover was around them at the time to get behind. If there was no cover and I was near them, one of them would often run away to go get more of their friends." In contrast he says the creature mobs have a larger attack radius and do not take cover.

Much more was discussed in the full article which is available on DarthHater.com, but where do you stand? Does the relative power of the artificial intelligence system influence your choice in MMOs?

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic impresses fans with combat AI originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aggroartificial-intelligenceBioWarecover-systemdarth-haterEAElectronic-Artshands-onsadoStar-Warsstar-wars-mmostar-wars-the-old-republicswtorThu, 08 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Virtual Whirl: News of the Whirl]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/the-virtual-whirl-news-of-the-whirl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/the-virtual-whirl-news-of-the-whirl/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/20/the-virtual-whirl-news-of-the-whirl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This week, in The Virtual Whirl, we're having our monthly roundup of news items. Things that got missed, things that didn't make the cut, things that got buried under the Star Trek Online launch, and things that really should have gotten your attention anyway.

Continue reading The Virtual Whirl: News of the Whirl

MassivelyThe Virtual Whirl: News of the Whirl originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleartificial-intelligencechronical-of-higher-educationdepartment-of-agriculturefeaturedforbesfrenzoojeffrey-youngjournal-of-internet-medical-researchmark-kingdonnews-of-the-whirlopinionpcprophilip-rosedalesecond-lifestardollthe-virtual-whirlUS-Governmentvirtual-worldsSat, 20 Feb 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Apocrypha expansion hands-on: The Sleepers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/massivelys-apocrypha-expansion-hands-on-the-sleepers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/massivelys-apocrypha-expansion-hands-on-the-sleepers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/massivelys-apocrypha-expansion-hands-on-the-sleepers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


The Sleepers

The inhabitants of these uncharted solar systems may take offense to your encroachment upon their territory, however. The Sleepers, an ancient race of NPCs known for their mastery of virtual reality and cryogenics, will provide the greatest PvE challenges players have ever faced in EVE Online through their guardian drones. Their AI is far beyond what players are used to going up against in PvE. The Sleepers will have varying levels of strength and adaptation to player threats. They do seem to have a particular hatred for their creators at CCP, given their ultra-violent response to Ward's arrival at a structure the Sleeper drones constructed in space. They move in on him, dishing out *all* damage types: beams sizzle for EM and Thermal damage; warheads obliterate for Kinetic and Explosive damage. Fortunately Ward's Proteus is set up to deal with this ("I'm going to put on a GM shield extender, or when we go through there I'm going to get wasted!") making his ship virtually impossible to kill, letting us witness the Sleeper offensive in safety.

Continue reading Massively's Apocrypha expansion hands-on: The Sleepers

MassivelyMassively's Apocrypha expansion hands-on: The Sleepers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the major new features to EVE Online's forthcoming Apocrypha expansion is the introduction of an ancient race of NPCs called the Sleepers. They're a breed apart from any NPCs ever seen in EVE, largely because of their AI. They react intelligently to threats, focusing fire on primary targets but diverting their attacks to counter whatever else they're faced with. They can 'spider tank' or protect and even repair one another as combat ensues. Added to their tactics is evasive maneuvering, making the Sleepers even deadlier.

We recently showed you video footage of the Sleepers in action and while taking them on will, in some cases, be a daunting experience, this is not to say that they can't be defeated. EVE developer CCP Incognito wrote on the forums, "If you try to use the same-old, same-old tactics against Sleepers then you will have problems. Think out of the box and you will win." CCP Incognito's comments were in the context of his dev blog on the new AI, which discusses the challenges that the Sleepers will pose for players seeking fragments of their advanced technology. More than anything, the AI revamp is designed to make PvE more like PvP. Anyone planning to venture through EVE's wormholes should abandon their mission-centric ship setups and be prepared for PvP; that's what fighting the Sleeper NPCs will be like -- fighting other players.

Continue reading EVE Online developer explains new AI for the Sleeper race

MassivelyEVE Online developer explains new AI for the Sleeper race originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiapocryphaartificial-intelligenceccp-gamesccp-incognitodev-blogeveeve-onlineexpansionsexplorationforumsgame-mechanicsnpcspvepvpracessci-fisleepersteam-epicwormholesMon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gen Con 08: Turbine tells us what's in store for AC, Part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/gen-con-08-turbine-tells-us-whats-in-store-for-ac-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/gen-con-08-turbine-tells-us-whats-in-store-for-ac-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/gen-con-08-turbine-tells-us-whats-in-store-for-ac-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Given that the game has been around for so long, do you see this addition of modern MMO features as something that the player base is really clamoring for, or are you sort of scaling that against what other games have right now?

Really, it's what the players are asking for. That's one of the things we pride ourselves on: listening to the players. Feedback and player concerns are very important to us.

Continue reading Gen Con 08: Turbine tells us what's in store for AC, Part 2

MassivelyGen Con 08: Turbine tells us what's in store for AC, Part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100th-patch100th-updateacaiandy-cataldoartificial-intelligenceasherons-callcommunity-managerexpansionfactionsgen-congen-con-2008gen-con-indygencongencon-2008gencon-indyindianapolisinterviewpatchpvpquest-trackingquestssocietiesturbineupdateTue, 19 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gen Con 08: Turbine tells us what's in store for Asheron's Call]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/gen-con-08-turbine-tells-us-whats-in-store-for-asherons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/gen-con-08-turbine-tells-us-whats-in-store-for-asherons-call/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/19/gen-con-08-turbine-tells-us-whats-in-store-for-asherons-call/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

At Gen Con, we spoke with Turbine's Andy Cataldo, the Community Manager for Asheron's Call, about the future of this historic game. Cataldo told us a lot about AC's epic 100th update. The update is coming within the next few weeks, and it's a doozy. According to Cataldo, AC players will get a whole new faction system, three land areas to battle over, tons of new loot and spells, and various other improvements to the game, particularly to enemy AI.

In addition to working its regular monthly event and patch schedule, Turbine is attempting to respond to player demand for a variety of new features in the 100th and all future updates. Particular emphasis is being placed on adding features common in modern MMOs, such as a quest tracking menu. AC has been around for almost ten years, so it has some catching up to do!

Learn more about Turbine's big push to modernize the game, add lots of new content, and more in the interview after the break.

Continue reading Gen Con 08: Turbine tells us what's in store for Asheron's Call

MassivelyGen Con 08: Turbine tells us what's in store for Asheron's Call originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100100th-updateacaiandy-cataldoartificial-intelligenceasherons-callcommunity-managerexpansionfactionsfeaturedgen-congen-con-2008gen-con-indygencongencon-2008gencon-indyindianapolisinterviewjoystiq-featuresmassively-featurespatchpvpquest-trackingquestssocietiesturbineupdateTue, 19 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Stargate Worlds aims high with artificial intelligence]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/interview-stargate-worlds-aims-high-with-artificial-intelligenc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/interview-stargate-worlds-aims-high-with-artificial-intelligenc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/interview-stargate-worlds-aims-high-with-artificial-intelligenc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMORPG has posted its second video interview with the folks working on Stargate Worlds. Last time, it connected with Howard Lyon to talk about customization the game's user interface. This time, studio head Dan Elggren tells the site a little bit about the artificial intelligence that guides the actions of Stargate Worlds' hostile entities.

Elggren explains that there are different types of AI behaviors -- personalities, if you will. An aggressive enemy might throw caution to the wind and charge the player with a knife, while a defensive one will play it safe behind cover. Elggren hopes this will make combat more dynamic in Stargate Worlds than it is in other MMOs. He also said that enemies might run away or retreat for the sake of self-preservation. Of course, enemies do that in plenty of MMOs already, but hopefully it's a bit more complicated than the "run at 15% health" trigger that we're used to seeing.

MassivelyInterview: Stargate Worlds aims high with artificial intelligence originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joe Hegarty is an AI Designer for Funcom's Age of Conan project. And, it appears, he loves his job. In a 'Day in the Life' article at TenTonHammer, Hegarty describes the sheer enjoyment he gets from breathing life into the inhabitants of Hyborea. From street preachers to wayward children, all the way up to Conan himself, his work makes the NPCs we'll be interacting with on launch day all the more meaningful.

The designer gives several examples of where you'll see his work in action, and even describes some of the behind-the-scenes mechanics driving the NPC's decisions. The designers at Funcom have a series of tools at their disposal, from in-house software to theoretical constructs. Hegarty mentions Maslow's hierarchy of needs as one of these supporting constructs; NPCs essentially have a priority list of needs, ensuring that you'll see them doing a variety of activities as you move through a given area.

Fascinating stuff, and with the Open Beta kicking off tomorrow, something we'll all be experiencing very soon.

MassivelyA day in the life of an Age of Conan designer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaiaocartificial-intelligenceday-in-the-lifedesignerfuncomWed, 30 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[AI hits Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/ai-hits-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/ai-hits-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/11/ai-hits-second-life/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Edd the AI AvatarResearchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created an artificial intelligence to drive an avatar in Second Life. Currently their AI has the smarts of a typical four-year old child, but it is capable of listening to what is "said" (in text) in Second Life and reacting to it appropriately as well as moving the avatar and typing its own replies.

Whilst a four-year old might not sound like much to the uninitiated, Professor Bringsjord, leader of the project and head of the Cognitive Sciences Department points out that to fully mimic adult behaviour would take a super-computer. As well as learning about creating AIs, the team are able to test theories about the development of the human mind. There is a (rather large) video of Edd the AI demonstrating that he can't put himself in the mind of another person (something typical of 4 year olds), and chatting briefly to two "normal" avatars available.

MassivelyAI hits Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIArtificial-IntelligenceCognitive-SciencesRensselaer-Polytechnic-InstituteSecond-LifeSelmer-BringsjordTue, 11 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate's A.I. evolves]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/jumpgates-a-i-evolves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/jumpgates-a-i-evolves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/jumpgates-a-i-evolves/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


More details have emerged from the jumpgate via Steve Hartmeyer's Dev Journal over on MMORPG.com. Steve is a programmer at NetDevil working on the hotly anticipated (at least it is for many of us here at Massively) space combat MMO, Jumpgate Evolution.

Steve's latest entry, AI System: Nuts & Bolts, takes us on an amazing detailed journey through the evolution of Jumpgate's artificial intelligence system. He explains how it morphed from "simply" populating space and simulating everyday tasks of an immense number of AI ships to a system that ultimately allows players to react to and participate in spontaneous events originated by the AI itself! Uh... holy crap! No wonder the dev team is so stoked about this game's AI system.

Between the comparison to X-wing games we heard about yesterday, and now learning of the off the charts Intelligence Quotient of the AI... the needle just done popped off my Hot Meter! But there's more to it then the pure glee of such a cool game on the horizon. When you realize the capabilities of today's gaming AI (not just in JE, but where gaming AI is at right now and where it will likely lead), it all actually gets a bit creepy-cool in the "Wow, this sounds a lot like the theoretical beginnings of the Matrix or Cyberdyne Systems' development of Skynet" sort of way.

Things that make ya go hmmm...

MassivelyJumpgate's A.I. evolves originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIartificial-intelligenceDev-journalintelligence-quotientIQJumpgateJumpgate-EvolutionMMORPG.comNetDevilSteve-HartmeyerFri, 18 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lead producer of Jumpgate Evolution writes Developer Journal on AI]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/lead-producer-of-jumpgate-evolution-writes-developer-journal-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/lead-producer-of-jumpgate-evolution-writes-developer-journal-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/lead-producer-of-jumpgate-evolution-writes-developer-journal-on/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Lead producer of Jumpgate Evolution Herman Peterscheck has posted a developer journal at MMORPG.com about the artificial intelligence used in the upcoming space MMO. Peterscheck describes how the AI in Jumpgate Evolution is employed to craft a universe that will feel alive to players.

At the most basic level, Peterscheck tells how the AI should be able to do anything that a player does -- mining, trading, combat, etc. On top of that, the NPCs will have behaviors, like patrolling, decisions on if they like you or want to blast you out of space, and when to chicken out of a fight. The aspect that he believes is perhaps one level above what you might see in a lot of other games, however, is the way that the AI will react to situations occurring in the world.

Continue reading Lead producer of Jumpgate Evolution writes Developer Journal on AI

MassivelyLead producer of Jumpgate Evolution writes Developer Journal on AI originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiartificial-intelligencedeveloper-journalherman-peterscheckjumpgatenetdevilpeterscheckWed, 21 Nov 2007 11:50:00 EST