The Evolution of AI-Powered Interactive Storytelling: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models
In the last few years, the realm of AI-driven character interaction (RP) has seen a significant evolution. What started as fringe projects with primitive AI has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of tools, resources, and enthusiasts. This piece examines the present state of AI RP, from widely-used tools to cutting-edge techniques.
The Growth of AI RP Platforms
Various tools have risen as popular focal points for AI-enhanced fiction writing and character interaction. These allow users to participate in both traditional RP and more risqué ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Personas like Stheno, or custom personalities like Poppy Porpoise have become fan favorites.
Meanwhile, other websites have grown in popularity for distributing and exchanging "character cards" – customizable AI entities that users can engage. The Chaotic Soliloquy community has been especially active in creating and spreading these cards.
Advancements in Language Models
The accelerated evolution of neural language processors (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's proliferation. Models like Llama.cpp and the fabled "OmniLingua" (a speculative future model) demonstrate the increasing capabilities of AI in producing logical and situationally appropriate responses.
AI personalization has become a crucial technique for tailoring these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more refined and consistent interactions.
The Drive for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the demand for confidentiality and individual oversight. This has led to the rise of "local LLMs" and local hosting solutions. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have been created to meet this need.
Projects like Undi and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it achievable for users to run powerful language models on their personal devices. This "on-device AI" approach resonates with those concerned about data privacy or those who simply enjoy experimenting with AI systems.
Various tools have grown in favor as intuitive options for running local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while GPU-demanding, offer improved performance for intricate RP scenarios.
Breaking New Ground and Venturing into New Frontiers
The AI RP community is celebrated for its inventiveness and willingness to push boundaries. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and unpredictable characters.
Some users seek out "uncensored" or "obliterated" models, aiming for maximum creative freedom. However, this raises ongoing ethical debates within the community.
Specialized tools have surfaced to address specific niches or provide novel approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "privacy-first" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.
The Future of AI RP
As we anticipate the future, several developments are emerging:
Increased focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Advancement of more sophisticated and optimized models (e.g., speculated LLaMA-3)
Research of groundbreaking techniques like "perpetual context" for preserving long-term context
Integration of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike experiences
Entities like Lumimaid hint at the potential for AI to produce entire imaginary realms and elaborate narratives.
The AI RP space remains a nexus of invention, with communities like Backyard AI website expanding the limits of what's possible. As GPU technology evolves and techniques like neural compression improve efficiency, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the coming years.
Whether you're a casual role-player or a passionate "AI researcher" working on the next discovery in AI, the realm of AI-powered RP offers endless possibilities for imagination and exploration.