March 12, 2025 Game development has changed dramatically in the last few years. Driven by exciting new trends and technologies, this industry has gained a powerful new toolset, capable of ushering in a whole new world of creative possibilities. Advanced solutions also promise to expedite development timelines while controlling costs.
These exciting opportunities come with a few caveats, which are highly relevant to aspiring game developers. There is a stronger need for AI skills, which, once viewed as a great option for gaining a competitive edge, increasingly feel necessary.
The good news? Equipped with these cutting-edge skills, game programmers and developers can explore powerful development possibilities that once felt out of reach. This is an exciting time in the gaming industry and the perfect chance to take a deep dive into artificial intelligence for games.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Video Games
The intersection of artificial intelligence and video games has led to groundbreaking advancements, allowing developers to create more immersive worlds, intelligent NPCs, and adaptive gameplay experiences. Across fields, AI provides a reliable pathway to automating repetitive tasks, thereby boosting efficiency and freeing up professionals to focus on strategic or creative endeavors.
In gaming, this takes on a unique dynamic, with AI addressing many of the limitations that have previously left game environments feeling less immersive or engaging than desired. AI can help make graphics feel more lifelike while also elevating gameplay mechanics and level design. Meanwhile, AI-powered tools promise to streamline repetitive tasks, automating object placement, gameplay testing, and other tasks that prevent developers from focusing on creative opportunities.
What Is AI in Games?
AI in games references the use of advanced algorithms and technologies to streamline development while also creating more responsive and adaptive gaming experiences. These systems are used not only within the development process, but also unleashed as players navigate games, replacing pre-scripted routines with adaptive solutions that feel realistic and cater to individual player needs or preferences.
While gaming AI draws on an expensive technological toolset, its application can differ dramatically from one game to the next. For example, a third-person shooter may feature enemies who know when to take cover, flank the player, or call for help, while a basketball game's opposing teams will use real-life hoops strategies to stifle the player. Some systems can learn from players and change patterns and routines accordingly to make the experience feel more personalized and dynamic.
How AI Improves Gaming Experiences
AI's influence on gaming experiences depends on how this technology is leveraged and how it supports the overarching vision of any given game. Used strategically, however, this can impact the use of non-player characters (NPCs) while also enhancing game levels and environments. Examples include:
- NPC Behavior & Enemy AI. Enemy AI can dictate whether NPC villains fight with common sense, or if they are merely used as cannon fodder for the player. NPC behavior can also play a big role in gaming experiences, as choices made earlier in the game could dictate how certain NPCs interact later on.
- Procedural Content Generation. Many games use procedurally generated content to fill out the levels and dungeons that players will traverse. It's up to these AI systems to determine whether recently created worlds feature impassable terrain, unrealistic geography, or designs that simply aren't fun to play.
- Adaptive Difficulty Systems. In the 8 and 16-bit era of gaming, some players observed that, no matter how big their lead grew in sports or racing games, the computer would inevitably get back into contention via some peculiar means or blatant in-game cheating. This "rubber band" effect has disappeared, replaced with difficulty systems that use data to decipher whether players could benefit from additional challenge or whether this should be dialed back to limit player frustration
- Game Personalization. Microtransactions and in-game auction houses allow players to outfit their characters and show off their personality or unique sense of style. AI systems can generate these style-focused items and get a feel for which items certain players prefer. AI can also promote personalization according to combat style or movement patterns, influencing not only the difficulty of gameplay, but also, reflecting different styles or strategies.
Core AI Technologies Used in Game Development
Many AI technologies promise to elevate game development, enhancing both creative possibilities and programming efficiency. Different solutions will be applicable to different development processes or strategies, but the following technologies, in particular, are already showing broad applicability. Below, we've highlighted several areas worth exploring as we prepare for the future of AI in game programming.
Pathfinding & Navigation AI
Open-world games need to guide non-player characters to important checkpoints and destinations. Pathfinding AI helps these characters navigate their environments, keeping them from getting stuck in corners, on various environmental elements, or accidentally killed by enemies.
The ultimate goal is to deliver the shortest and most efficient route between two distinct points. Still, beyond this, there is a push for more realistic pathfinding, complete with smoother turns and a reduced reliance on zig-zag motions. The field already heavily relies on the A-Star (A*) algorithm to balance speed and accuracy, solutions such as navigation meshes can facilitate more realistic movements, while flow field pathfinding can help when players must navigate crowds.
Moving forward, machine learning will likely play a greater role in optimizing pathfinding, trial routes via reinforcement learning, or adapting dynamically via neural networks. These solutions will make it easier to adjust NPC paths based on player decisions or behaviors.
Finite State Machines (FSMs) & Behavior Trees
Behavior trees expand on the basic concepts of "if this, then that." They function as the backbone of a character's decision-making process, and, increasingly, it's up to AI to ensure that these trees can grow properly. Many games allow the player character to influence the flow and direction of a story, but while producing new sets of behaviors and actions that must be taken by everyone else in the game.
Finite state machines can enhance complexity within these series of actions. These have influenced gaming for decades — think Pac-Man's ghosts, which operate based on simplistic FSMs, following a set structure but also responding dynamically to changes in the game's state.
Machine Learning & Neural Networks in Games
Machine learning is the next big frontier in game development. It allows tech-driven systems to 'learn' without requiring explicit programming, promoting adaptive opportunities above and beyond what previous AI solutions could accomplish. ML-driven systems can respond to in-game behaviors and optimize along the way, improving based on experience rather than requiring predefined rules.
An early glimpse at this ML-driven future arrived with the release of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. The main selling point of the game was the Nemesis System, which used machine learning to create an interesting dynamic between the main hero character and Uruk enemies. Depending on how the player fought these enemies, the Uruk hordes would either cower in fear after a decisive defeat, or gloat and taunt the player. This provided a powerful reminder: that past accomplishments would influence future clashes.
Procedural Content Generation (PCG)
Some of the most popular games of the last decade have used procedural content generation to churn out a nearly endless supply of levels for the player to explore. One great example of this can be found in Spelunky, a game in which players make a run through procedurally generated caves full of snakes, arrows, bombs and other obstacles. Fine-tuning the AI that creates these levels is critical, as striking the right balance between fun and frustration can make all the difference in game immersion and enjoyment.
AI for Dynamic Storytelling
The same AI principles that dictate the growth of NPC behavior trees can also be applied to exciting opportunities involving dynamic storytelling. Player choices (which can alter the game world and the behavior of characters within it) must be taken into account when crafting storylines. This forms a bridge between the creative and technical components of game design and development, promoting compelling narratives while also making it possible to branch off in different directions.
Career Paths for Game Programming Graduates in AI
AI certainly has the power to elevate gaming experiences, but what about professional opportunities? In this context, aspiring developers wonder, “is game programming a good career?” A lot depends on which specific roles you hope to pursue and how they leverage AI or other advanced technologies. Roles that leverage AI include:
AI Programmer
Focused on creating and implementing algorithms within modern games, AI game programmers handle the technical complexities of AI, using advanced pathfinding algorithms and machine learning solutions to help bring systems designers' visions to life. These programmers may leverage previously discussed techniques such as FSMs, aiming to balance computational efficiency with adaptive gameplay.
AI Systems Designer
Determining how AI systems are integrated within dynamic gaming experiences, AI systems designers are true visionaries, capable of designing immersive worlds that use AI to respond more effectively to player actions. These collaborative professionals work closely with game programmers and experts from animation or level design to handle the cross-departmental components of AI integrations.
Procedural Generation Specialist
Drawing on advanced tools and technologies to automate gaming content creation, procedural generation specialists can create everything from realistic terrain to structures, characters, and even weapons. They play a key role in driving efficiency in the development process, ensuring that gaming worlds feel immersive. They are also built rapidly and adaptively, rather than remaining dependent on pre-defined assets.
Essential Skills for Game AI Development
No matter which careers in AI or gaming strike your fancy, you will need to develop a comprehensive skill set that incorporates both technical competencies and a creative vision. Employer expectations are quickly changing, but if you want to improve your odds for making a positive impression in this competitive industry, you'll benefit most from focusing on these programming game AI skills:
Programming & AI Development Skills
Success with AI games begins with learning relevant programming languages. Aim to explore several, as different programming languages suit different gaming pursuits. For example, proficiency with C# is crucial for success in the indie sphere, as this supports the well-known game engine Unity. Java is an all-around excellent option for Android game development, while C++ provides valuable preparation for working with Unreal Engine. Python can be especially transformative for scripting and procedural content generation.
Mathematics & Algorithm Development
As the influence of AI expands throughout the gaming industry, there is a stronger need for advanced mathematical skills, which underscore algorithm development. Game development curricula increasingly emphasize math and computer engineering in this game, covering basics like trigonometry and linear algebra and advanced topics like binary number representation
Creative Problem-Solving & Game Logic
Game programmers and developers are the ultimate problem-solvers. Their critical thinking skills allow them to work seamlessly with various algorithms and data structures and anticipate potential problems during the complex development process.
Game logic is also essential. This references the internal mechanisms of the game and the magic that ties it all together. Aspiring programmers or developers can gain this nuanced understanding by experimenting with various game engines and working collaboratively on compelling projects or simulations.
How AIɫɫ Prepares Students for AI in Gaming
If you feel intrigued by AI-driven gaming opportunities, you'll be excited to explore advanced technologies related to the gaming industry. AIɫɫ's game programming degree will help you tackle the many challenges and opportunities accompanying AI's rise in gaming.
Comprehensive Game Programming Curriculum
SSU's well-rounded curriculum integrates a variety of relevant and impactful concepts, exploring everything from artistic principles to computer engineering (including data structures, systems programming, and finite state automata). Game engineering courses delve into the nuances of human-computer interaction, input/output paradigms, 3D vector motion, and beyond. Students are also encouraged to explore concepts specific to their unique career goals, such as computer vision, motion capture, or mobile platform programming.
Hands-On AI Development Experience
Proficiency with AI in game programming goes beyond theoretical understanding; practical application is just as important, as this provides opportunities to experiment with various pathfinding or NPC strategies. This is a clear priority within SSU's game programming degree, which uses immersive projects and simulations to help students leverage AI concepts while addressing industry-relevant challenges. These labs promote collaborative development, preparing future programmers to work effectively within diverse and dynamic teams.
Industry-Experienced Faculty & Cutting-Edge Tools
The right instructor can open doors, revealing cutting-edge concepts while encouraging innovative thinking. SSU's game programming AI faculty represent some of the most inspiring and accomplished individuals in the field, boasting expertise in everything from esports to motion capture, prototyping, and beyond. These passionate faculty members are excited to nurture a promising new generation of game developers.
Faculty members set the stage for powerful takeaways, but in an AI-focused program, access to technology also matters. This is a priority at SSU, which uses immersive lab environments to help students gain hands-on skills. These lab experiences include fascinating projects that expose students to powerful game engines and even 3D graphics APIs (application programming interfaces).
Internship & Networking Opportunities
Networking is vital to success in the competitive gaming industry. This is best pursued within the framework of a gaming degree, which provides consistent exposure to the most passionate and creative professionals of tomorrow. Authentic connections occur during lab experiences and Game Jams, which are collaborative events that bring passionate developers and programmers together.
A degree in game programming can also lead directly to a compelling internship, providing the chance to unleash a newly acquired skill set within real-world game development environments. SSU partners with major players in the gaming industry to expand internship opportunities, which are easily searchable via Handshake.
Start Your Journey Into AI-Driven Game Development at SSU
The future of game development is bright, with emerging technologies promising to make games even more immersive and exciting. The success of these tools depends on their users, highlighting the need for creative thinkers with advanced technological skills.
AIɫɫ can help you gain an edge in a rapidly changing industry, helping you develop today's most in-demand technical competencies. Offering the exciting opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology, SSU's program encourages you to transform your passion for gaming and technology into a rewarding career. Start your journey today by or applying for admission.