Semi-autonomous avatars in world of minds

Abstract

In this paper we describe the Mind Module (MM), a technical framework for modeling personality and emotion for both player and non-player characters, and describe the World of Minds (WoM), an MMORPG that employs an AI-based game mechanic designed around the MM. Where most research on character AI has focused on autonomous characters, the focus of this work is on a semi-autonomous agent architecture built to be used in a multiplayer environment as part of the player's avatar. The MM models personality using the Five Factor Model from personality psychology, and maintains emotional state as a function of the personality and the avatar's interactions with people and objects in the world. WoM is a prototype MMORPG where the personalities of the player characters are the base for the game mechanics. In this paper, we provide a case-study of AI-based game design, describing the Mind Module, the game mechanic designed around the Mind Module, and lessons learned for both the AI and the game design from a playtest of a paper prototype of the game.