When we think of the advent of 3D Graphics in the 90s or the introduction of online multiplayer in the 2000s, the future of gaming then looked bright. Each generation of consoles had changes that revolutionized the whole concept of video games.
However, in recent years, the advancement of video games between generations has been entirely based on better graphics and performance. While these improvements have certainly been important, they do not fundamentally change how games are played. Many people have even skipped entire generations as the differences have become slim. For many, the difference between a PS4 and a PS5 is so slim it may not be worth the price. And it was not likely that anything would change with the upcoming generations, at least until now.
YouTube user and modder Bloc with his mod for Mount & Blade: Bannerlord offers a view at a potential game changer that might be the revolution the industry hasn’t had for so long.
This Mount and Blade 2 Bannerlord mod (in development) allows you to chat with NPCs thanks to ChatGTP. It could be the future of RPGs. #openai https://t.co/7AUV5GMaFkhttps://t.co/MOghcje1pW pic.twitter.com/f0vJmrwajE
— Instant Gaming (@InstantGamingEN) January 12, 2023
Procedural future
Bloc has created a mod that generates dialogue consistent with the game context utilizing ChatGPT. Traditionally, video games have always had a set storyline and a finite number of possible outcomes. The dialogue, choice, and everything in between had been predetermined. This is present even in procedurally generated video games such as The Binding of Isaac or No Man’s Sky. Since the set of possibilities was limited, it was inevitable that the same rooms or planets would be generated later. However, with this AI-generated content, the number of possible interactions and outcomes becomes virtually limitless.
In the video, we see interactions with NPCs around the game: a farmer, a blacksmith, a peasant, and a widow. Each NPC is kept in the conversation for about 4-5 minutes and shows knowledge of the context of the game, keeping the dialogues consistent with their roles, factions, and in-game events.
Exploring possibilities
The modder has pointed out that this is a demo and hopefully he can update the mod, adding more functionalities. Additionally, he plans to explore ways to incorporate the AI-generated dialogue system with other aspects of the game such as the recruiting system or the trading system. He later posted a second video with even more interactions.
For the first time in years, we see glimpses of a different potential future. One that is not just about better graphics and performance, but about new and exciting ways to interact with games. Think of a game generated by an AI on the go based on your playstyle. Everything from maps to dialogue and mechanics is tightly knit around you and your likes. Now that would be a future for gaming no one would want to miss.
YouTube: More on FUTURE of RPG Games – Bannerlord and ChatGPT
Photo credit: The feature image has been taken Igor Vetushko.
