The Integration of AI-Driven NPCs in Indian Games

Be it a rummy cash game or a casual game, most gamers are joining the gaming community for entertainment and pastime. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is enhancing the entertainment value of games to the next level. Gaming platforms and developers are investing heavily in AI-powered gaming. With over 3.2 billion gamers worldwide, they have a massive target audience to attract. 

AI is now involved in almost all aspects of the gaming ecosystem. AI-powered virtual assistants, AI tools that test and debug games at the development stage, and real-time analytics are some areas where AI is actively used. However, the experiential improvements made by AI are attracting more and more gamers.  

AI in Gaming 

Be it the security provided by AI cheat detection tools in online rummy or AI-powered non-Player Characters (NPCs) in a combat game, AI is omnipresent in gaming. This can be seen in the investments made in this segment. Take the example of Iconic AI, a specialist in AI-generated games. Earlier this year, it raised $4 million in pre-seed funds. In July 2024, it was reported that Canada based Artificial Agency raised $16 million to invest in AI projects that make more realistic NPCs. 

AI is seen as a potential game-changer in the development of NPCs. The opinion of gamers has been unanimous in this respect. An overwhelming 99% of responding gamers in a survey have agreed that AI NPCs enhance the gaming experience. 79% of them even believed they would spend more time gaming if they got an impressive AI-powered NPC experience. 81% of respondents expressed that AI NPCs would make real-money games more attractive. It would be interesting if AI NPCs get integrated into real-money card games like a rummy cash game to replicate the physical gaming experience. In any case, AI in NPC creation seems to be the order of the day.  

The Use of NPCs 

The use of AI NPC is already being practiced. Popular games like Grand Theft Auto(GTA) and Bannerlord are delivering interactive gaming experiences to millions. We have seen how the gaming community has unanimously supported AI NPCs. They are also equivocal about the quality standards. 52% of gamers in a survey have admitted their dislike for repetitive NPC dialogues. 76% of the respondents want NPCs to demonstrate better situational awareness. To meet this expectation, AI is the only road ahead.

Companies are using large language models to make interactions more real-life. No wonder AI chat companies like Character.ai are valued at over $1 billion. Inworld, another company in this segment, raised $500 million for research and creation of AI NPCs. As a result of these initiatives, NPCs display lifelike behaviours and responses and adapt in real-time to their decision-making. This has enhanced the storytelling in games and made the gameplay experience more immersive. 

How AI Empowers NPCs 

Different approaches are being used within the gamut of NPC development through AI. For instance, a rule-based AI guides NPCs to interact with gamers by defining the rules. These tools ensure that players maintain consistent gaming behaviour and drive them towards the predicted outcomes. A machine learning AI tool, on the other hand, enables NPCs to learn and adapt by using the data and experience during gameplay. The NPCs train and receive feedback over time to keep the gaming experience dynamic.

Then, finite state machines are used to define the decision-making switches of an NPC. You may have noticed its use in games where an enemy NPC switches from patrolling to chasing or shooting in a game. You may have also noticed how NPCs select the best course of action in strategy games. This is achieved through the use of pathfinding AI tools. 

With endless avenues in gaming, AI gaming investments are rising thick and fast. In quarter 3 of 2023, investments saw a 50% rise. It is expected that AI NPCs will be visible across the world, including India.    

The Indian Context  

The use of AI NPC can be significant in the Indian market as well. With 442 million gamers and an estimated market size of $3.1 billion, India is the second-largest market in the world. It is also home to over 15,000 game developers and programmers. Many of these developers and studios are using generative AI to create realistic NPCs, as well as dynamic storylines in the Indian context.

Apart from the popular global titles, Indian gamers have enjoyed indigenously developed games like Raji and Asura. AI NPCs will deliver highly interactive gaming experiences while enjoying Indian landscapes in the storytelling. 

Apart from combat and shooting games, card games like rummy are quite popular in India, thanks to platforms like RummyTime. The use of AI NPC in a rummy cash game could make the experience virtually similar to our olden days of living room rummy sessions.

AI NPCs: An Increasing Influence 

Developmental sophistication in NPCs has made gaming an engaging prospect for gamers. AI NPCs now add a layer of unpredictability to the gaming experience. It is safe to say that AI NPCs are adding to the fun and challenge that keeps the gaming community growing and the game downloads ticking.