Unleashing the Power of AI in Game Development

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Goals of the AI NPC Conversation Project
3. Getting Started with Unity Project
4. Implementing Speech Recognition with OpenAI
5. Using Microsoft Cognitive Services Speech API
6. Integrating Speech Synthesis in Unity
7. Formatting OpenAI Responses
8. Creating Personality Profiles for NPCs
9. Flow of Information from Player to AI to Speech Software
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In this article, we will dive into the world of AI NPC (Non-Player Character) conversations in video games. We will explore the process of creating procedural conversations with NPCs and enabling two-way vocal communication. Our goal is to seamlessly incorporate these features into the game, working with multiple actors without any confusion. We will discuss the challenges faced during the project and the solutions that were implemented.

Goals of the AI NPC Conversation Project

The main objectives of this project were to achieve three key goals:

1. Procedural Conversations with NPCs: The aim was to Create dynamic conversations that could be generated on the fly, allowing players to have unique interactions with NPCs.

2. Two-way Vocal Communication: The project aimed to enable players to have vocal conversations with NPCs by implementing speech recognition and synthesis technologies.

3. Working with Multiple Actors Seamlessly: The goal was to have multiple actors involved in a conversation without any confusion, ensuring smooth communication between the players and NPCs.

Getting Started with Unity Project

To initiate the project, a blank Unity project was created in Unity 2021. The first step involved getting the speech recognition to work with the OpenAI API. By using the C# wrapper called "Godot," the OpenAI API was seamlessly integrated into the Unity project.

Implementing Speech Recognition with OpenAI

Integrating OpenAI purely in C# proved to be relatively simple with the "Godot" wrapper. However, making it work with Unity presented some challenges due to the differences in Package management and .NET Core versions. After some research and modifications, OpenAI was successfully incorporated into the Unity project.

Using Microsoft Cognitive Services Speech API

The next step was to enable speech synthesis and recognition using the Microsoft Cognitive Services Speech API. This API was instrumental in converting text to speech and vice versa. The speech recognition feature allowed the AI to process the player's voice and generate the corresponding text.

Integrating Speech Synthesis in Unity

The challenge of playing the generated audio within Unity was tackled. The initial setup involved using the default output device for audio playback. However, to improve the quality and control of the audio, the goal was to feed it through a Unity audio source. This process required converting the audio byte array into a WAV file, which was then used to create an audio clip and played through the audio source.

Formatting OpenAI Responses

OpenAI acted as an autocomplete tool, with the ability to generate responses Based on provided examples. To create a chatbot-like conversation, the AI responses needed to be formatted correctly. This included providing Context, behavior descriptions, example conversations, and stopping points. By following this format, the AI generated responses that aligned with the desired conversational flow.

Creating Personality Profiles for NPCs

To make the NPCs more engaging, separate personality profiles were created for each character. These profiles included specific attributes, reactions, and ways of interacting with the player. By utilizing scriptable objects, it became convenient to assign distinct personality traits to various NPCs, resulting in dynamic and varied character experiences.

Flow of Information from Player to AI to Speech Software

To ensure a smooth flow of information, a hierarchical structure was established. The player's speech generating script became the starting point, with the player's input triggering events and sending text to the speech recognition system. The text was then redirected to the target NPC, which generated appropriate responses using the OpenAI response script. Finally, the generated audio was played through the NPC's audio source.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored the process of creating AI NPC conversations in video games. We discussed the goals of the project, the implementation steps, and the challenges faced along the way. By combining speech recognition, synthesis technologies, and formatting OpenAI responses, we achieved dynamic and interactive conversations between players and NPCs. The integration of personality profiles added depth to each NPC's character, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

Highlights

• Procedural conversations with NPCs
• Two-way vocal communication
• Working with multiple actors seamlessly
• Integrating OpenAI and Microsoft Cognitive Services Speech API in Unity
• Formatting OpenAI responses for chatbot-like conversations
• Creating personality profiles for NPCs

FAQ

Q: Can players have unique interactions with NPCs?

A: Yes, the project enables players to have dynamic and procedural conversations with NPCs, resulting in unique interactions.

Q: What technologies were used for speech recognition and synthesis?

A: The project utilizes the OpenAI API for speech recognition and the Microsoft Cognitive Services Speech API for speech synthesis.

Q: How is the flow of information managed between the player, AI, and speech software?

A: The player's speech generating script initiates the flow of information. The player's input triggers events, which send text to the speech recognition system. The text is then sent to the target NPC, generating appropriate responses using the OpenAI response script. The generated audio is played through the NPC's audio source.

Q: Can NPCs have different personalities?

A: Yes, personality profiles can be created for each NPC using scriptable objects. These profiles include attributes, reactions, and ways of interacting with the player, adding depth to each NPC's character.

Q: How does the AI generate responses?

A: The AI relies on the OpenAI API, which acts as an autocomplete tool. By providing context, behavior descriptions, and example conversations, the AI generates responses based on the desired conversational flow.

Q: What are the future plans for this project?

A: The project aims to further enhance the NPC system by adding character movement, facial expressions, and more complex gameplay interactions. Stay tuned for future updates!