The Progression of AI-Driven Character Simulation: From Fimbulvetr to Next-Gen Language Models
In the past decade, the domain of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has seen a dramatic transformation. What started as fringe projects with early language models has blossomed into a thriving community of platforms, resources, and user groups. This article explores the present state of AI RP, from popular platforms to groundbreaking techniques.
The Growth of AI RP Platforms
Various services have emerged as well-liked centers for AI-enhanced fiction writing and character interaction. These allow users to engage in both conventional storytelling and more risqué ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Avatars like Stheno, or original creations like Midnight Miqu have become community darlings.
Meanwhile, other websites have grown in popularity for hosting and circulating "character cards" – ready-to-use digital personas that users can interact with. The Backyard AI community has been particularly active in crafting and sharing these cards.
Breakthroughs in Language Models
The swift progression of advanced AI systems (LLMs) has been a primary catalyst of AI RP's expansion. Models like LLaMA CPP and the mythical "HyperVerbal" (a speculative future model) demonstrate the increasing capabilities of AI in producing logical and situationally appropriate responses.
AI personalization has become a crucial technique for tailoring these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more refined and consistent interactions.
The Drive for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the demand for confidentiality and individual oversight. This has led to the rise of "local LLMs" and self-hosted AI options. Various "Model Deployment" services have been created to meet this need.
Initiatives like Undi and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it possible for users to run powerful language models on their personal devices. This "self-hosted model" approach resonates with those concerned about data privacy or those who simply enjoy experimenting with AI systems.
Various tools have grown in favor as intuitive options for running local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while GPU-demanding, offer improved performance for intricate RP scenarios.
Breaking New Ground and Venturing into New Frontiers
The AI RP community is celebrated for its creativity and willingness to push boundaries. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and unpredictable characters.
Some users seek out "uncensored" or "obliterated" models, aiming for maximum creative freedom. However, this raises ongoing philosophical conversations within the community.
Focused tools have surfaced to serve specific niches or provide unique approaches to AI interaction, more info 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 anticipate the future, several trends are emerging:
Heightened focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Advancement of more capable and efficient models (e.g., rumored Quants)
Investigation of innovative techniques like "neversleep" for maintaining long-term context
Fusion of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more engaging experiences
Characters like Euryvale hint at the prospect for AI to create entire fictional worlds and intricate narratives.
The AI RP field remains a hotbed of advancement, with collectives like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's attainable. As GPU technology progresses and techniques like quantization boost capabilities, we can expect even more remarkable AI RP experiences in the near future.
Whether you're a occasional storyteller or a dedicated "neural engineer" working on the next innovation in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers limitless potential for creativity and discovery.