The Art of Strategic and Tactical AI in RTS Games

Region Wars – MS3

Hans Hartman, Johan Larsson, Fredrik Medeström

Background

RTS AI Why?

Hard to do properly Hasn’t been done really well before Infinite possibilities Could we do it better?

Region Wars

Fantasy Environment Humans and Orcs Basic Units Commanders Buildings Goals/Missions

Region Wars, Map Structure

Province Map Region Map

Region Wars, Included and Excluded

Included: Working AI Placeholder Graphics Four Playable Maps Two Playable Races Menu GUI HUD Sound/Sound FX

Excluded: Multiplayer Detailed Graphics High Quality Sound

Creating the Game, A Technical Approach

XNA Easy 3D Easy Sound C# HLSL Support Xbox 360 Compatible

Creating the Game, A Technical Approach – Technical Details

Modular Structure Uniformed Interface XML Map System

AI Structure

AI, Structural Details

Strategic Overmind Resource Manager Constructional AI Worker AI Military AI Cognitive AI Unit/Group AI Training AI

Changes along the way, removed

Capital City removed AI wall building

Changes along the way, modified

Waypoint not used as first planned Resource using sorted list not heap

as first planned Obstacle avoidance limited to

stationary objects Humans also utilize flocking Modified mission types Background Music Stats modified to balance game

Changes along the way, added

Splash screen More maps Map generator Obstacles 100% AI vs. AI game mode Planner to Overmind AI Console and commands

Preview Video 4

Videos\Preview3.wmv

Further Information

All information is available on: http://blogs.gscept.com/sp4

Questions?

“Just erotic, nothing kinky. It's the difference between using a feather and using a chicken.”

“It is well known that a vital ingredient of success is not knowing that what you're attempting can't be done.”