The Advancement of AI-Enabled Interactive Storytelling: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models
In the last few years, the domain of AI-powered role-playing (RP) has seen a significant evolution. What originated as experimental ventures with primitive AI has grown into a dynamic landscape of applications, platforms, and communities. This piece examines the current landscape of AI RP, from popular platforms to cutting-edge techniques.
The Rise of AI RP Platforms
Various platforms have emerged as popular hubs for AI-assisted storytelling and immersive storytelling. These allow users to experience both conventional storytelling and more risqué ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Characters like Stheno, or original creations like Midnight Miqu have become popular choices.
Meanwhile, other websites have grown in popularity for sharing and sharing "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can interact with. The Backyard AI community has been especially active in designing and sharing these cards.
Breakthroughs in Language Models
The accelerated evolution of large language models (LLMs) has been a key driver of AI RP's proliferation. Models like Llama.cpp and the mythical "HyperVerbal" (a theoretical future model) showcase the expanding prowess of AI in producing coherent and environmentally cognizant responses.
Model customization has become a crucial technique for tailoring these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This approach allows for more sophisticated and stable interactions.
The Drive for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has grown in popularity, so too has the call for privacy and individual oversight. This has led to the rise of "user-owned language processors" and on-premise model deployment. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have been created to meet this need.
Endeavors like Kobold AI and implementations of NeuralCore.cpp have made it possible for users to run powerful language models on their local machines. This "local LLM" approach attracts those concerned about data privacy or those who simply appreciate customizing AI systems.
Various tools have gained popularity as accessible options for managing local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while processing-heavy, offer improved performance for intricate RP scenarios.
Breaking New Ground and Exploring New Frontiers
The AI RP community is recognized for its inventiveness and determination to break new ground. Tools like Neural Path Optimization allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more adaptable and spontaneous characters.
Some users seek out "abiliterated" or "enhanced" models, aiming for maximum creative freedom. However, this provokes ongoing moral discussions within the community.
Specialized tools have appeared to cater to specific niches or provide novel approaches to AI interaction, often here with a focus on "privacy-first" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.
The Future of AI RP
As we envision the future, several developments are emerging:
Heightened focus on local and private AI solutions
Advancement of more capable and streamlined models (e.g., speculated Quants)
Investigation of groundbreaking techniques like "perpetual context" for maintaining long-term context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Personas like Euryvale hint at the possibility for AI to produce entire imaginary realms and intricate narratives.
The AI RP space remains a nexus of innovation, with groups like Backyard AI expanding the limits of what's attainable. As GPU technology advances and techniques like neural compression improve efficiency, we can expect even more remarkable AI RP experiences in the not-so-distant tomorrow.
Whether you're a casual role-player or a committed "neural engineer" working on the next breakthrough in AI, the realm of AI-powered RP offers infinite opportunities for creativity and discovery.