Level up your game with smarter enemy AI

Level up your game with smarter enemy AI

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Creating an Object for Smarter Enemies
  3. Setting Variables and Actions
  4. Implementing Enemy Movement
  5. testing the Enemy's Behavior
  6. Fine-tuning the Enemy's Chase Range
  7. Summary and Next Steps

Smarter Enemies: Taking Enemy AI to the Next Level

👉 Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) in gaming has come a long way, and gone are the days of enemies mindlessly moving in predictable Patterns. In this Tutorial, we will explore how to create smarter enemies that actively follow and chase the player. By implementing some simple logic and using GameMaker's built-in functions, we can add a new level of challenge and excitement to our games.

👉 Creating an Object for Smarter Enemies

To begin, let's create a new object in GameMaker Studio and name it "obj_enemy3" (or any preferred name). Inside the object's Create Event, we will set a variable called "alert" to zero. This variable will play a crucial role in determining the enemy's behavior.

👉 Setting Variables and Actions

In the object's Step Event, we'll first generate a random movement direction for the enemy using the "move_free" action. This will make the enemy start moving in a random direction at the beginning. Additionally, we'll implement a chance-based system using the "chance" function. By rolling the dice with a one out of twenty chance, we can make the enemy perform specific actions at regular intervals.

👉 Implementing Enemy Movement

Now, let's handle the enemy's movement when it detects the player. In the Step Event, we'll add code that checks the distance between the enemy and the player object. If the distance is within a certain range (e.g., 50 pixels), the enemy's "alert" variable will be set to 1, indicating that it should start chasing the player. To make the enemy move towards the player, we'll utilize the "mp_potential_step" function, which finds the shortest path while avoiding solid objects.

👉 Testing the Enemy's Behavior

It's time to put our smarter enemy into action! Place the enemy object in your Game room and observe how it walks around, constantly scanning for the player's presence. As you get closer to the enemy, it will start chasing you. Move away, and it will eventually give up the chase. Adjust the distance range and movement speed to fine-tune the enemy's behavior.

👉 Fine-tuning the Enemy's Chase Range

If you feel that the enemy's chase range is either too small or too large, you can modify it by changing the distance condition in the code. Increase it to allow the enemy to detect the player from a greater distance, or decrease it for a more challenging experience. Finding the right balance will ensure an enjoyable gameplay experience.

👉 Summary and Next Steps

In conclusion, we have successfully implemented smarter enemy behavior using basic AI techniques in GameMaker Studio. Now, the enemies in your game can actively follow and chase the player, adding an extra layer of challenge. Experiment with different settings, such as movement speed and detection range, to create unique and engaging gameplay. Keep exploring more advanced AI techniques to enhance your games even further.

Highlights

  • Learn how to create smarter enemies using AI in GameMaker Studio.
  • Implement a chance-based system for dynamic enemy behavior.
  • Utilize the "mp_potential_step" function to make enemies chase the player.
  • Fine-tune the distance range and movement speed for the perfect balance of challenge.
  • Enhance the gameplay experience by adding more intelligent AI mechanics.

FAQs

Q: Can I have multiple smarter enemies in my game? A: Absolutely! Simply create additional object instances and apply the same code to them. Each enemy object will behave independently and intelligently pursue the player.

Q: How can I make the enemy attack the player instead of just chasing? A: This tutorial focuses on implementing enemy movement and chasing behavior. To add attacking functionality, you would need to incorporate additional code and mechanics specific to your game's combat system.

Q: Can I make the enemy's behavior more complex? A: Certainly! Feel free to experiment and build upon the code provided. You can introduce additional variables, actions, and conditions to create more intricate enemy behavior, such as patrolling, dodging, or collaborative tactics with other enemies.

Q: Are there any performance considerations to keep in mind when using AI in games? A: AI calculations can be resource-intensive, especially with larger numbers of enemies or complex behavior. It's essential to optimize and fine-tune your code to ensure smooth gameplay and prevent performance issues.

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