The evolution of artificial intelligence in games: from simple NPCs to real-world challenges

1. History of the development of AI in games
The first games had simple and primitive AI, where non-controllable characters (NPCs) acted according to rigidly set scenarios. For example, in Pac-Man, the ghosts followed specific routes that were easy to predict after a few tries. The player could learn to avoid them without much difficulty. Such characters did not adapt to the player's actions, their behavior was monotonous.

However, in the 90s, with the development of computing power, the first examples of dynamic AI appeared. Games like Half-Life and Thief: The Dark Project took a big step forward by integrating NPCs that could react to changing circumstances – chasing the player, defending or hiding, creating more immersive gameplay.

2. Examples of games with revolutionary AI
AI continued to improve, and over time we saw games where NPCs behaved like real opponents or allies. One of the clear examples is The Last of Us series. Enemies in this game can team up, flank the player, use cover, and even change their strategy depending on the player's behavior. It creates a sense of constant tension and challenge.

Another example is Horizon Forbidden West, where enemies can have different roles and functions in combat, and their behavior changes depending on the player's tactics. The animal robots in the game show different degrees of aggression, defense and strategy, which adds depth to the battles.

3. AI and interaction with the player
Modern games use AI to create more interactive and complex scenarios. For example, in Red Dead Redemption 2, NPCs have their own daily schedules, react to the player's actions, and can change their attitude towards the player depending on the behavior. This adds to the feeling of a living world where each character has their own story.

Moreover, in games like Alien: Isolation, the AI ​​acts as the main antagonist. The alien adapts to the player's actions, remembers his tactics and changes his behavior, which makes the game incredibly tense and unpredictable.

4. Prospects for the future
The development of artificial intelligence in games is just beginning. In the coming years, we can expect more complex systems, where NPCs will not just react to the player's actions, but will be able to learn from their behavior and offer new challenges based on previous experiences. Such games will be more adaptive and realistic.

AI can also be predicted to help create personalized gaming experiences. Imagine if a game could analyze your behavior and suggest suitable scenarios or missions that would suit you.

5. Ethical issues and AI in games
However, with the development of AI, ethical questions arise. For example, can a game with a very complex and aggressive AI become too difficult for the average player? Can NPCs behave so realistically that players begin to feel moral discomfort about their actions? These issues require discussion and consideration when developing games of the future.

Conclusion
Artificial intelligence has changed the way we approach video games and continues to improve, making virtual worlds more realistic and complex. From simple NPCs to complex, learnable opponents, AI in games has become an integral part of engaging gameplay. More innovations await us in the future, which, without a doubt, will make games even more interesting and unpredictable.