Ep. 27: Danny Lange, of Unity Technologies, on How AI Can Enhance Gaming, and Gaming Can Enhance AI
Jun 21, 2017
auto_awesome
Danny Lange, VP of AI and Machine Learning at Unity Technologies, dives into the revolutionary impact of AI on game development. He discusses how deep learning is enhancing non-playable characters (NPCs), allowing them to engage players with more human-like behaviors. Lange also highlights the creative challenges of merging storytelling with advanced technology. Additionally, he explores the innovative use of gaming environments for training autonomous systems, showcasing their effectiveness in robotic development and AI training.
Danny Lange highlights that AI can enhance game development efficiency by automating routine tasks, allowing developers to focus on creativity.
The podcast discusses how gaming technology's adaptability can inform various real-world applications, including autonomous driving and robotics training.
Deep dives
The Slow Adoption of AI in Gaming
The gaming industry has been hesitant to fully embrace AI and machine learning technologies, unlike sectors such as e-commerce and transportation. Early attempts at incorporating neural networks into games yielded limited success, leading developers to be cautious. Additionally, game development involves a significant artistic element, with creators wanting to maintain control over narratives and player experiences. This reliance on traditional coding methods has kept many games rooted in hardwired behavior instead of leveraging the potential of deep learning.
Enhancing Game Development Productivity
AI has the potential to significantly boost game development efficiency by automating routine tasks typically performed by developers. For example, behaviors associated with non-player characters (NPCs) can be learned and refined through AI models, reducing the need for manual programming. By relieving developers of these trivial tasks, they can allocate more time and energy to creative aspects of game design, resulting in richer experiences and potentially more games being produced. This shift implies a future where AI not only aids in development but also influences gameplay dynamics.
Real-World Applications of Game Technology
The adaptability of gaming technology extends beyond entertainment, offering valuable insights for various real-world applications such as autonomous driving and robotics. Unity's capabilities allow for the simulation of numerous scenarios that could enhance training for these systems, helping to teach responses to unexpected events. For example, the physics and environmental modeling within Unity can create realistic driving situations, preparing AI for real-life challenges. As these systems evolve, they may not only improve gaming experiences but also reshape training methodologies in fields ranging from automotive engineering to complex robotics.
Over the last few years data intensive machine learning solutions have supplanted rule-based software systems at many technology-based companies. Think about Amazon, Netflix, and Uber. But the gaming world hasn't exactly followed suit, at least not as quickly. Most games are still a delicate mix of hard-wired behavior in the form of traditional code, and somewhat more responsive behavior in the form of large collections of rules. Our guest, Danny Lange, VP of AI and Machine Learning at Unity Technologies, is taking a different tack, using deep learning to help with game creation, that subtle combination of art, story, and software.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode