Artificial intelligence (That is not supposed to take over the world, at least for now lol) is an inevitable part of the video game industry. Without AI, most video games wouldn't even exist. It's basically the secret sauce that makes games so awesome these days.
This AI isn't just a single thing; it's divided into many parts. Let's talk about machine learning AI first. This type of AI is basically like a chess player. Every move you make, the opponent adapts and plays accordingly. It learns from past and present mistakes and then adapts to the current situation ( Take for example MR FREEZE from Batman Arkham City, Everytime you knock him out using a tool from Batman's arsenal, He has an counter to it and immediately pulls it out after he gets punished once)
Then there's pathfinding, which helps NPCs navigate the game world. Whether it's a creepy zombie stalking you through a dark alley or a friendly villager finding their way to the market, pathfinding makes it all possible.(Mr X or Nemesis from Resident Evil 2 and 3 are pathfinding AI that is coded to keep following you and try to brutally murder you in certain stages of the maps)
Behavior trees act like fancy decision-making charts for NPCs. Based on what's happening in the game, the AI picks the best course of action: attack, defend, dodge, etc., ( Soulsborne bosses AI :D especially Sekiro would be an great example)
Here's the thing: AI isn't just about making enemies tougher. It's about making the whole game world feel more alive. We're talking about creating unique levels on the fly, entire worlds that change based on how you play. Imagine exploring a vast landscape where every corner holds a surprise.
The future of AI? Buckle up, because it's crazy. AI could tailor the difficulty to your skill level, so you're always having a fun challenge. Stories could adapt and evolve based on your choices, making every playthrough unique. We might even see virtual worlds so realistic they feel like stepping into another dimension.
Of course, there are some hurdles to jump. We gotta make sure the AI acts right, not like some creepy robot overlord. GAAH! But with the way things are going, AI is poised to take gaming to a whole new level. So get ready for some seriously mind-blowing experiences in the future!