AI has lately taken the world by storm with new and innovative developments in all industries, including the gaming industry. AI aids in time-consuming technical processes, and with the right applications, more lean and permissive development cycles can be created. It can also majorly and positively impact accessibility for players, permitting developers more options to create accessibility solutions. One project is called Minecraft Access, and it seeks to make Minecraft accessible to blind and visually impaired players. This gameplay mod actively learns what the player needs assistance with and will be able to adjust game play and functionality.
AI can significantly improve other gaming aspects that will improve user experience and game integrity; it allows users to stay engaged and interested while gaming. Some of these aspects include:
- Adaptive Difficulty – Similar to the adaptive accessibility functions, AI can also analyze a player’s behavior, skills, and preferences during gameplay. With this data, difficulty can be adjusted accordingly.
- Realistic and Advanced Graphics – AI techniques like machine learning upscaling and image enhancement can improve the quality of graphics, making the game appear more realistic and visually appealing.
- Smarter NPCs (non-playable characters) – Through AI, NPC are more realistic and intelligent. Overall gameplay will be reactive to player’s actions, enhancing the overall experience.
- Cheating Detection and Prevention – In multiplayer games, AI algorithms can detect cheating. This ensured gaming is fair and enjoyable for all players.
The benefits of integrating AI into gaming are endless; from improving user experiences, providing accessibility options to those with disabilities, to streamlining development processes for game developers, AI enhanced gaming experiences for everyone.
Source:
Bunting, Geoffrey. “How AI Can Make Gaming Better for All Players.” Wired, 10 July 2023, www.wired.com/story/ai-make-gaming-better-accessibility/.
