Unveiling the Secrets: How AI in Ghost Recon Wildlands Enhances Your Covert Experience

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Cheating in Game Design
   1. Gameplay Tweaks and Concessions
   2. Reinforcing the Player's Experience
3. Ubisoft's 'Ghost Recon Wildlands'
   1. The Ghost Squad
   2. Design Problem for AI Squadmates
   3. Cheat vs. Expectation
4. Behaviour Tree System
   1. AI Squadmates vs. Enemies
   2. Design Philosophy and Core Pillars
5. Systems Driving the Ghost Squad AI
   1. Smart Recon System
   2. Balance of Power System
   3. Overlord System
6. A Stealthy Approach
   1. Overlord Identifying Enemies
   2. Navigation Mesh and Invisible AI
7. Sync Shot and Magic Shot
   1. Player-Marked Targets
   2. AI Bending the Rules
8. Moving through Enemy Bases
   1. Overlord's Instructions
   2. Remaining Invisible
9. Going Loud and Combat Mode
   1. Buddy-AI Rally and Support
   2. Smart Recon System in Effect
10. Getting Revived and Revive Manager System
    1. Magic Shots on Enemies
    2. AI Assistance and Teleportation
11. The Squads' Effectiveness and Challenge
    1. Real-time Balancing with Balance of Power System
    2. Challenge and Wiped Out
12. Specific Instances and Concessions
    1. AI Teleportation in Vehicles
    2. Invisible AI and Player's Mistake
13. Conclusion

👻 Ghost Recon Wildlands: Cheating AI to Enhance the Player's Experience

Imagine sneaking into a heavily guarded enemy base, taking down enemies with precision, and strategically working alongside AI-controlled companions. In Ubisoft's 'Ghost Recon Wildlands', an open-world action game, the AI squadmates known as Holt, Midas, and Weaver are designed to support the player while reinforcing the power fantasy of being a covert operative. But how do these AI companions seamlessly adapt to player commands, react to the environment, and maintain the illusion of a challenging yet fair experience? The answer lies in the game's clever use of "cheats" and specifically designed systems that combine to create an immersive gameplay experience.

Cheating in game design doesn't always have negative connotations. It involves making tweaks to gameplay systems or concessions in how certain features are built to reinforce the pillars of the game's design. In the case of Ghost Recon Wildlands, the AI squadmates exhibit behavior and possess knowledge and skills that go beyond what is logically expected. This is because players have a low tolerance for failure from AI companions. By limiting their behavior or providing them with exceptional abilities, the game enhances the players' experience and maintains a sense of control.

The AI squadmates in Ghost Recon Wildlands are built to support the player and reinforce the experience of being a covert operative. Their behavior is dictated by a sophisticated behavior tree system, with specific design rules focused on player-centric behavior. These rules revolve around three core pillars: supporting the player without stealing the limelight, reacting to surroundings and providing assistance when necessary, and doing their best to fulfill the player's commands given the circumstances.

Driving the behavior of the Ghost squad AI are three key systems: the Smart Recon system, the Balance of Power system, and the Overlord system. The Smart Recon system identifies items and characters of interest within the vicinity, helping the player spot targets and points of interest they might have missed. The Balance of Power system dynamically adjusts the effectiveness of the squadmates in combat based on the player's performance, ensuring that the squad becomes more or less effective as the battle progresses. The Overlord system, comprised of various systems, identifies threats and provides useful information to the squadmates to optimize combat strategies.

As the player enters an enemy encampment, the Overlord system kicks in and identifies all enemies within proximity, as well as their line of sight to the player. The AI squadmates, following breadcrumb-like navigation meshes left by the player, stealthily approach the base and receive instructions from the Overlord on how to navigate the space without being spotted. This invisible AI cheating mechanism keeps the squadmates Hidden from enemies while the player remains undetected.

The gameplay mechanics in Ghost Recon Wildlands allow players to perform sync shots, wherein the player marks multiple enemies and the AI squadmates take simultaneous shots at the designated targets. This dynamic requires precise coordination between the player and the AI. Sometimes, the AI must bend the rules to make the shot happen, shooting around corners or finding creative angles to ensure a successful execution. Additionally, the AI performs what is known as the "Magic Shot," where enemies mysteriously drop dead without the AI squadmates actually shooting them. This guarantees that the AI squadmates never miss their shots and prevents them from unintentionally compromising the mission.

Whether the player chooses to proceed stealthily or engage in open warfare, the AI squadmates adapt to the situation. They follow the Overlord's instructions on Where To stand and avoid certain areas, maintaining their invisibility unless explicitly commanded by the player. In combat situations, the Balance of Power system kicks in, influencing the squad's damage, attack frequency, and resilience. The squadmates aim to rally on the player, provide support, and constantly identify targets using the Smart Recon system.

If the player gets incapacitated, the Revive Manager system ensures that one of the AI squadmates revives them. The system prioritizes clearing the immediate area by performing magic shots on nearby enemies to create space for the revival. The same system is also responsible for having allies revive each other when necessary.

Throughout the game, the AI squadmates continue to provide support, adapt to the player's actions, and revive them until it becomes impossible. However, the cheats and concessions made for the AI do not render the player invincible. The challenge remains, and without finding a way to end the conflict, the player will eventually be wiped out.

The AI in Ghost Recon Wildlands also exhibits specific instances of cheating or bending the rules to enhance the player's experience. For example, when the player gets into a vehicle, the AI squadmates teleport into the vehicle to provide assistance. Additionally, the AI remains invisible until the player gives the command to engage, ensuring that the AI cannot be blamed for making mistakes or poor decisions.

Building supporting characters for games like Ghost Recon Wildlands is a complex task. The developers at Ubisoft Montpelier have successfully implemented cheats and designed systems that reinforce the player's experience. These cheats create an illusion of AI intelligence and maintain a challenging yet engaging gameplay environment. While the term "cheat" is often associated with negativity, in the case of Ghost Recon Wildlands, these cheats elevate the gameplay and keep players immersed in the world of covert operations.