Introduction to AI: Difference between revisions
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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 | 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: nearly everything you see in this category was researched and written by the community. This means mistakes and omissions are inevitable. | ||
==Map Components== | ==Map Components== | ||
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===[[Assaults]]=== | ===[[Assaults]]=== | ||
Assaults are the less scripted and combat orientated sisters of path_corners. Use them to move NPCs while retaining their tactical routines. | Assaults are the less scripted and combat orientated sisters of path_corners. Use them to move NPCs while retaining their tactical routines. | ||
===[[ | ===[[Standoffs|Standoffs (Battle Lines)]]=== | ||
Standoffs give AI the specific instruction to fight hostiles. When in a standoff NPCs will act with more strategy and cooperation, holding certain areas while advancing into others. Standoffs are battle management for Source games. | |||
===[[Squads]]=== | ===[[Squads]]=== | ||
Organise your NPCs into squads for increased efficiency and teamwork. | Organise your NPCs into squads for increased efficiency and teamwork. | ||
Revision as of 01:21, 9 July 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: nearly 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 or groups of entities a level designer might place in a map to manipulate the AI. A map doesn’t require 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. When combined, these nodes form a roadmap of sorts for NPCs, or a node graph.
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 fulfill in a semi-scripted manner. For example, a metrocop guarding a doorway from the player.
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.
Standoffs (Battle Lines)
Standoffs give AI the specific instruction to fight hostiles. When in a standoff NPCs will act with more strategy and cooperation, holding certain areas while advancing into others. Standoffs are battle management for Source games.
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>