User programmable AI

[Urban Ranger]

Now that would be nice, since the AI can be improved continuously.

[loinburger]

Do you mean that Firaxis would create an AI.txt file that the user could modify, that Firaxis would create an AI metalanguage that the user could program in, that the user could write his/her own C++ (or whatever) code for the AI, or something else?

[Urban Ranger]

Well, what do you think? What would be the best implementation? I prefer a set of files containing the rules, since doing real programming is daunting to your average player.

[Grumbold]

Firaxis could do a lot worse than implement SLIC (the CtP/2 modifiable code). While the average gamer will leave it well alone and rely only on some easily modifiable text values, it would guarantee the hardcore modders would eventually repair any AI loopholes that slip past the Firaxians.

[Shadowstrike]

Civ has had a long tradition of flexibility. This would vastly improve the situation of those who find themselves unsatisfied with teh game and increase its lifespan. Of course this would als o put a lot of work on the Firaxis programmers.

[DaveV]

Amen! I have been singing this song since the early days of the list. I agree that it would make things easier for users and scenario writers if there's a way to modify AI behavior by changing a text file. But that doesn't necessarily preclude also giving the real hackers the ability to make fundamental changes in the code.

I'd love it if Firaxis released their AI code as a bunch of DLLs, and gave documention for each routine. The danger in this approach is that loading a modified DLL could really mess up your computer through incompetent or malicious programming, so you'd better trust whoever made the mods. On the other hand, this would give the public a lot more access to the logic of the AI routines, and would allow aftermarket users to design a text file based AI interface if Firaxis didn't provide it.

[Solver]

That has been done in AoE 2, and result is some really good scripts by users.

[Urban Ranger]

Solver,

How's it done in AoE2? Any details?

[DarkCloud]

From what "id" did, they have been letting the Users program it for years.

It would be nice to see what people do with the AI's and how they improve Civ!

[old timer]

Originally posted by Urban Ranger
Solver,

How's it done in AoE2? Any details?

In AOE2, Ensemble Studios provided a scripting language which was processed by the game engine in real time. You could actually debug your script by running the game with the computer opponent set to use your script.

Unfortunately, the AOE2 scripting language was limited to strategic decisions such as what to build, how much, and when. You could not tell the AI how to attack or what units to attack with, but you could tell it how many troops to send.

I wrote a large script for AOE2 which was used by many people and I intend to mod the AI for Civ III as well, if Firaxis make it worthwile (in other words, give us enough power - more than just text files please!)

[Zanzin]

BUT -

If firaxis was implementing a user programmable AI (and it would be too late to add now, so it would have been something decided on early in development) - if they did, I hope they wouldn't/haven't fallen into the trap that Activison did - "oh well, everything's customisable.....so we'll let the users actually finish the game for us" - as was the case with CTP2, and to a lesser degree, CTP1.

[TechWins]

I hope they wouldn't/haven't fallen into the trap that Activison did - "oh well, everything's customisable.....so we'll let the users actually finish the game for us"

That's the same point I've been trying to make in a seperate thread. No matter how customizable the game is it should still be sent as a good game.

I would also like the to have an easy to use User Programmable AI.

[TechWins]

Here's a quote from Firaxis about the customization "More powerful and intuitive customization tools.". I'm not sure how old this quote is, though.

the link to that page is-

http://www.firaxis.com/civ3/faq-general.cfm

So maybe a user programmable AI isn't so far fetched after all.

[Provost Harrison]

A customisable AI would be quite good for generating different civilisations. Perhaps each one has it's own nuances which determine how the civilisation will react in quite specific circumstances. Perhaps it will be possible to generate your own list of criteria and modify them as necessary, ie, for your own scenario or civ.

Something more complicated than the civ2 model where there were only three broad categories: friendly/neutral/aggressive, perfectionist/neutral/expansionistic, civilised/neutral/militaristic. I would like to see these attributes expanded on dramatically...

[fittstim]

Sounds great but how can you implement programmable AI???

In the AoE example, telling the computer to send a certain number of troops to a particular place is fine but not really satisfying. I crave an AI that actually does things intelligently and efficiently.

No more building stupid upgrades (Port Facility?!?) when the city lacks a granary!!!