Artificial intelligence (AI) is a process of programming a computer to make decisions for itself. This can be done in a number of ways, but the most common is through the use of algorithms. Algorithms are a set of instructions that are followed in order to solve a problem.
There are many different types of algorithms, but the two most common are search algorithms and decision trees. Search algorithms are used to find the best possible move in a game, while decision trees are used to make decisions based on a set of criteria.
AI can be used in a number of different ways in game development. The most common use is in pathfinding. Pathfinding is the process of finding the shortest path from one point to another. This can be used in games to find the best path for a character to take from their current location to their destination.
A* is a type of search algorithm that is commonly used for pathfinding. It works by considering the distance from the start point to the end point, as well as the distance from the current point to the end point. It then chooses the path that has the lowest combined distance.
Another common use for AI is in behavior trees. Behavior trees are used to control the behavior of non-player characters (NPCs) in a game. They are made up of a series of tasks that are executed in order.
Tasks can be anything from moving to a specific location to attacking the player. Each task has a set of conditions that must be met in order for it to be executed. For example, the task of moving to a specific location may only be executed if the NPC is not already at that location.
A behavior tree can be very simple, with only a few tasks, or it can be very complex, with multiple tasks and conditions.
AI can also be used for crowd simulation. Crowd simulation is the process of creating realistic crowds of people in a game. This can be used to create believable and lifelike environments.
There are a number of different algorithms that can be used for crowd simulation. The most common are flocking algorithms. Flocking algorithms are used to simulate the movement of a group of animals or people.
They work by considering the location of each individual in the group and the desired destination of the group as a whole. Each individual then tries to move closer to the destination while avoiding collision with other members of the group.
Flocking algorithms can be used to create realistic and believable crowds of people in a game.
AI can also be used for enemy AI. Enemy AI is used to control the behavior of enemies in a game. It can be used to make them more challenging and lifelike.
There are a number of different algorithms that can be used for enemy AI. The most common are behavior trees and decision trees. Behavior trees are used to control the behavior of NPCs in a game. They are made up of a series of tasks that are executed in order.
Decision trees are used to make decisions based on a set of criteria. They are commonly used in games to determine what action an enemy should take next.
AI can also be used for player AI. Player AI is used to control the behavior of the player character in a game. It can be used to make the character more lifelike and believable.
There are a number of different algorithms that can be used for player AI. The most common are behavior trees and decision trees.
AI can be used in a number of different ways in game development. It can be used to create realistic and believable environments, to make games more challenging, and to control the behavior of the player character.