The Evolution of AI-Driven Role-Playing: From Norse Legends to Local 70B Models
In the past decade, the domain of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has undergone a significant evolution. What began as fringe projects with early language models has developed into a vibrant ecosystem of applications, platforms, and enthusiasts. This article examines the existing environment of AI RP, from widely-used tools to groundbreaking techniques.
The Rise of AI RP Platforms
Various services have come to prominence as popular centers for AI-assisted storytelling and character interaction. These allow users to experience both traditional RP and more mature ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Characters like Euryvale, or user-generated entities like Midnight Miqu have become fan favorites.
Meanwhile, other platforms have grown in popularity for sharing and exchanging "character cards" – customizable AI entities that users can converse with. The Backyard AI community has been particularly active in creating and sharing these cards.
Advancements in Language Models
The rapid development of large language models (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's growth. Models like LLaMA-3 and the fabled "HyperVerbal" (a theoretical future model) demonstrate the increasing capabilities of AI in generating coherent and environmentally cognizant responses.
AI personalization has become a vital technique for tailoring these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This process allows for more refined and reliable interactions.
The Push for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has grown in popularity, so too has the need for confidentiality and personal autonomy. This has led here to the rise of "user-owned language processors" and on-premise model deployment. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have sprung up to satisfy this need.
Initiatives like Kobold AI and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it possible for users to utilize powerful language models on their personal devices. This "local LLM" approach resonates with those worried about data privacy or those who simply relish experimenting with AI systems.
Various tools have gained popularity as intuitive options for running local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while processing-heavy, offer improved performance for elaborate RP scenarios.
Exploring Limits and Venturing into New Frontiers
The AI RP community is recognized for its inventiveness and willingness to break new ground. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for precise manipulation over AI outputs, potentially leading to more adaptable and unpredictable characters.
Some users pursue "abiliterated" or "obliterated" models, striving for maximum creative freedom. However, this provokes ongoing ethical debates within the community.
Niche tools have emerged to serve specific niches or provide unique approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "data protection" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.
The Future of AI RP
As we look to the future, several developments are taking shape:
Heightened focus on local and private AI solutions
Development of more capable and optimized models (e.g., anticipated Quants)
Exploration of novel techniques like "perpetual context" for preserving long-term context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more engaging experiences
Entities like Euryvale hint at the prospect for AI to generate entire fictional worlds and elaborate narratives.
The AI RP field remains a crucible of invention, with groups like IkariDev expanding the limits of what's possible. As GPU technology progresses and techniques like cognitive optimization improve efficiency, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the near future.
Whether you're a occasional storyteller or a passionate "quant" working on the next innovation in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers endless possibilities for imagination and adventure.