Computer game characters becoming human-like: Study

Computer game characters can reportedly become more human-like by gossiping and lying, according to a study. he research study by Jenny Brusk, lecturer in computer science at the University of Skovde, shows how one can use language technology to create more socially driven dialogues in games, with characters who can understand natural language.

According to Eureka Alert, the objective of the study is to contribute to creating interesting and socially competent game characters by presenting models that are directly applicable with current technology.

Brusk said that gossip was a type of dialogue that defined one's moral compass, and without it, one doesn't know what's socially accepted.

The interesting thing about Brusk's research is that these dialogue models could be implemented using standard technology, which makes them directly accessible for the current game industry.

Brusk said that there was a strong interest in virtual people, adding that the dialogue systems presented could for example be used in healthcare by applying them on a virtual patient, or within language learning where one learns the social interaction and a new culture by conversing and chit-chatting.