AI Interface

from Stardock Forums
As part of the ongoing support by Stardock, I would like to see the AI interface opened such that players can replace the human player (or another race) with their own, custom AI. It should be flexible and extensible enough that the writer can delegate behavior to the existing AI. This prevents them from having to write a full-blown AI and can start small.

It's a pipe dream but worth mentioning.

/ds
499 views 9 replies
Reply #1 from Stardock Forums Top
I'm afraid that's not doable. The GalCiv AI isn't like most game AIs where it's a collection of rules and scripts. Each player is hard coded in C++.

~SDC~
Reply #2 from Stardock Forums Top
One approach would be to do it ala Quake mod SDK. Header files are supplied. DLLs are written and loaded into the existing game at run-time.

Thanks, though.

/ds
Offworld Trading Company
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top
Will those C++ files be allowed to be edited by the community? I personally am not a programmer but I'm sure there are those who are that will be able to help improve the AI post release. Isn't it better to have these sorts of things in the open for the good of all?

Sith
Reply #4 from Stardock Forums Top
No way, what if someone manages to make the AI harder to beat! *shivers*
Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

Sith: That would require Stardock to make GalCiv open source, and while that might be commendable from a filanthropic point of view, I don't think it's likely to happen.

Asmodean

~SDC~
Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top
yea... that is a shame. Although, I could see a system where by a user only has access to certain c++ files, edits them... the system compiles and presents the user with an exectuable. Not good for the everyday person, but people who want to help develop in their free time.

I am interested in how the metaverse works.... Is it just a form that the developers read and then take into account? or is the report generated by the game itself.

A way we could mod the AI's would be an excellent addition in the future though.
Reply #7 from Stardock Forums Top
Surely at least replacing the human player with an AI should be doable. There's an exposed API already, namely the mouse/keyboard interface.

Also, perhaps opening part of the source but without a FREE license could be something to consider. With no copy protection Stardock is already showing an admirable level of trust for the users....

PenultimateMan
Reply #8 from Stardock Forums Top
It sounds like the AI kicks ass anyway, what are the odds that most people could improve on what they have already worked so hard on?

I've seen mentioned somewhere that as part of the "extended support" they hope to make it possible to pick any player from the metaverse and have the game emulate their style of play. That would be really cool, I hope they can really do it.

--Soulfire
Reply #9 from Stardock Forums Top
Maybe not improve, but modify, so for the B5 mods for instance, the races could be even more customized to act like their B5 counterparts.