Introduction to AI: Difference between revisions

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Simply place an AI controlled entity into a map and it will have a good chunk of it's features in place without any other actions. Place some info_node entities too and you've got fully functional AI characters who will use your map to hide, flank, flush out and assault. On top of this basic framework comes scripted and semi-scripted behaviour to add extra punch. In many situations, that's all you have to do!
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artificial_intelligence Wikipedia]) and controls the behaviour of all but the simplest of NPC actions in the Source engine. Regardless of how easily you might have torn through the Combine it won’t be long after you start working with Source's AI that you recognise its power, intelligence and flexibility. This introductory guide will give you a brief overview of the AI from the implementation perspective. Please be aware that there is currently no official AI documentation: everything you see in this category was researched and written by the community. This means mistakes and omissions are inevitable.


<more!>
==Map Components==
The following are all entities a level designer might place in a map to manipulate the AI. A map doesn’t have any of them for the AI to function, but the more the better.
===[[info_node|info_nodes]]===
These give the AI bearing in the world besides other NPCs or the player. They are required for all but the simplest of AI actions.
===[[path_corner|path_corners]]===
The most direct way of influencing AI is through the path_corner entity. It bluntly instructs the NPC to go to it, and they do so in the most direct manner possible. A path_corner is essentially a script placed directly in the map.
===[[Goals]]===
Goals give the AI a task to fulfil in a semi-scripted manner.
===[[Hints]]===
Hints give AI contextual pointers that it would not be able to work out on it’s own. Areas safe to crouch and reload in, objects of interest, even places for birds to perch.
===[[Assaults]]===
Assaults are the less scripted and combat orientated sisters of path_corners. Use them to move NPCs while retaining their tactical routines.
===battle_lines===
Unknown, possibly related to assaults.
===[[Squads]]===
Organise your NPCs into squads for increased efficiency and teamwork.
===Miscellaneous===
Other components including relationships, speech, and more.


[[Category:AI]]
==General AI Events==
<need to research events>

Revision as of 13:24, 30 June 2005

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence (Wikipedia) and controls the behaviour of all but the simplest of NPC actions in the Source engine. Regardless of how easily you might have torn through the Combine it won’t be long after you start working with Source's AI that you recognise its power, intelligence and flexibility. This introductory guide will give you a brief overview of the AI from the implementation perspective. Please be aware that there is currently no official AI documentation: everything you see in this category was researched and written by the community. This means mistakes and omissions are inevitable.

Map Components

The following are all entities a level designer might place in a map to manipulate the AI. A map doesn’t have any of them for the AI to function, but the more the better.

info_nodes

These give the AI bearing in the world besides other NPCs or the player. They are required for all but the simplest of AI actions.

path_corners

The most direct way of influencing AI is through the path_corner entity. It bluntly instructs the NPC to go to it, and they do so in the most direct manner possible. A path_corner is essentially a script placed directly in the map.

Goals

Goals give the AI a task to fulfil in a semi-scripted manner.

Hints

Hints give AI contextual pointers that it would not be able to work out on it’s own. Areas safe to crouch and reload in, objects of interest, even places for birds to perch.

Assaults

Assaults are the less scripted and combat orientated sisters of path_corners. Use them to move NPCs while retaining their tactical routines.

battle_lines

Unknown, possibly related to assaults.

Squads

Organise your NPCs into squads for increased efficiency and teamwork.

Miscellaneous

Other components including relationships, speech, and more.

General AI Events

<need to research events>

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