In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the tech world by storm, creating opportunities and triggering an arms race between tech companies as they look to get the most out of this fast-evolving technology. AI is also revolutionizing some of our most beloved classic games, giving them a modern twist for the 21st century. One such project is Hidden Door, which is reimagining the way we play role-playing games with AI.
The driving force behind the project is CEO Hilary Mason, who has two decades of AI and machine learning experience. She’d always loved playing tabletop role-playing games, so when she realized there was an opportunity to use AI to do something similar, she knew she had to go for it. The project consists of licensed intellectual property as well as works in the public domain, and its first adaptation is the beloved classic, The Wizard of Oz.
Developed with a team of game designers, writers, and IP owners, this game gives players the ability to alter the settings and ask for different genres such as gritty murder or “fun happy pancakes time.” However, what makes it all possible is AI. As Mason puts it, the game operates as an open-ended system with “very tunable weights and knobs” that create a narrative response corresponding to player input. This is all done through an AI-powered narrator, which is trained with millions of predefined stories. It also limits how weird or wild a player can get – similar to a Dungeon Master or Gamemaster – while still allowing for an open-ended experience.
Hidden Door is aiming to create an experience that is in many ways more accessible than video RPGs, providing the intricate story for players so that all they need to do is jump into the world and enjoy their play. This is exciting news for players, especially those who don’t have access to a Dungeon Master, as Hidden Door eliminates the work required to run a good gaming session.
The AI-Infused game is not available yet, but those interested can join the waitlist. In the meantime, Hidden Door’s blog provides posts about the evolution of AI, development of the game, and discussions about AI, making it a great resource for any AI enthusiast. With AI helping to bring the magic of role-playing games to all, the world of opportunity is truly growing.
