Not so long ago we reported on a computer program which can "learn" how to play Game Boy games, but now someone has gone one better.
A team at the Georgia Institute of Technology is currently working on a program which can build its own Super Mario levels - without the use of Super Mario Maker, we might add - but that's not the most amazing thing about the software.
The program learns what makes a good level not by the information fed into it by the research team, but by watching human players and how they move through pre-existing stages.
The program looks at YouTube gameplay videos to see how players perform and to spot trends or design rules. Once it has complied this information it puts it to use in its own original creations.
Here's Mark Riedl, associate professor of Interactive Computing at Georgia Tech, to explain a little more:
Our system creates a model or template, and it's able to produce level sections that have never been seen before, do not appear random and can be traversed by the player. One could say that the system 'studies' the design of Mario levels until it is able to create new playable areas.
This is a pretty unique development as it's the first time that gameplay videos have been used by a computer to build new levels, and it could change the way in which such games are made in the future. If we have a future, that is - we imagine that the program will get bored of endlessly replicating the Mushroom Kingdom and will instead engage in something more challenging, like wiping out our pathetic species.
[source cc.gatech.edu, via kotaku.com]
Comments 18
Well Miyamoto may have some real competition at last... but man can still win as there's one thing we have machine doesn't. A baseball bat.
YO! It's my boy Mark!
glad to see he's getting his name out there.
@FragRed It's easy to build a baseball bat equipped machine, so your point is not valid.
First Mario then 3D shooters then all unmanned drones will be out to kill us!
I'll do this in caps to highlight my confusion.
I WONDERED WHY AL WAS LEARNING HOW TO BUILD LEVELS.
Stupid capital I.
Teaching emotionless AI to create just by learning and studying our patterns. Yep that how it all starts. Lets just hope that no one else is teaching a robot how to play and adapt to games.
If the computer doing this is called Skynet, I'll be in my bunker if anyone needs me.
@Vineleaf Same, bruh...
Maybe they meant Alf?
@ultraraichu It has already begun... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qv6UVOQ0F44
AI is scary as sh*t and really has the potential to destroy mankind. Stop effing around with this stuff, people! >:[
Hey, a different context for the same opportunity:
Doomed!
Love the tagline for this article. People always are thinking when a computer can do things we thought only a human can do, like composing music, it's the beginning of artificial intelligence completely replacing the human race.
I wonder if this computer can conjure up a kaizo world of sorts.
What's with all the doom and gloom? It's a freakin' computer.
@LichiRichi O_O Now that is even more freaky than this article. Well at least it doesn't have a physical body so I can still hide when the time comes.
Wow, I never thought the ballade of John Henry could apply to game design, but I guess it can! Miyamoto and this thing should face off!
@FragRed @manu0 Also, don't forget that ROB can pick up a baseball bat in Super Smash Bros. and OHKO us all! The only ways to survive are to grab an invincibility star or charge at him on a Bullet Bill when he hits you!
Just don't show the AI any of the 'A-Hole Mario' stages or it will have a paradox and explode.
Not new news. I will admit if an Robot can play GB games, I would love to see one play Bionic Commando.
One step away from Metal Gear.
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