The Evolution of AI-Powered Interactive Storytelling: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models
In the past decade, the world of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has undergone a remarkable shift. What began as fringe projects with early language models has grown into a dynamic landscape of applications, platforms, and user groups. This piece investigates the present state of AI RP, from user favorites to groundbreaking techniques.
The Rise of AI RP Platforms
Various platforms have emerged as favored centers for AI-enhanced fiction writing and character interaction. These allow users to participate in both classic role-playing and more risqué ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Characters like Stheno, or user-generated entities like Poppy Porpoise have become community darlings.
Meanwhile, other services have become increasingly favored for distributing and circulating "character cards" – customizable AI entities that users can converse with. The Backyard AI community has been notably active in designing and distributing these cards.
Innovations in Language Models
The rapid development of neural language processors (LLMs) has been a primary catalyst of AI RP's proliferation. Models like Llama.cpp and the mythical "Mythomax" (a hypothetical future model) highlight the growing potential of AI in generating logical and environmentally cognizant responses.
Model customization has become a crucial technique for adjusting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more nuanced and stable interactions.
The Drive for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has grown in popularity, so too has the need for confidentiality and user control. This has led to the development of "private LLMs" and local hosting solutions. Various "LLM hosting" services have emerged to meet this need.
Endeavors like Kobold AI and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it feasible for users to utilize powerful language models on their personal devices. This "self-hosted model" approach attracts those focused on data privacy or those who simply appreciate customizing AI systems.
Various tools have become widely adopted as intuitive options for running local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while GPU-demanding, offer superior results for intricate RP scenarios.
Breaking New Ground and Exploring New Frontiers
The AI RP community is recognized for its inventiveness and willingness to challenge limits. Tools like Cognitive Vector Control allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more versatile and surprising characters.
Some users seek out "uncensored" or "augmented" models, striving for maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing ethical debates within the community.
Focused services have emerged to address specific niches or provide unique approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "privacy-first" 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 patterns are taking shape:
Increased here focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Creation of more powerful and streamlined models (e.g., speculated LLaMA-3)
Research of innovative techniques like "neversleep" for sustaining long-term context
Integration of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike experiences
Personas like Euryvale hint at the possibility for AI to produce entire imaginary realms and expansive narratives.
The AI RP field remains a hotbed of invention, with communities like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's achievable. As GPU technology advances and techniques like neural compression improve efficiency, we can expect even more remarkable AI RP experiences in the not-so-distant tomorrow.
Whether you're a occasional storyteller or a passionate "quant" working on the next innovation in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers limitless potential for innovation and exploration.