Optimists at Heart: Why Do We Research Game AI? (Extended Version)

TL;DR

This paper surveys the motivations behind game AI research, analyzing publications and researchers to identify external and institutional influences, and proposes community-driven solutions to address negative effects and reassert research autonomy.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive analysis of motivations and influences in game AI research and suggests strategies for community self-regulation and improvement.

Findings

Identification of external and institutional influences on research motivations

Highlighting negative effects impacting the field

Proposing community-driven approaches to address issues

Abstract

In this paper we survey the motivations behind contemporary game AI research by analysing individual publications, the researchers themselves, and the institutions that influence them. In doing so, we identify some negative effects on our field, caused both by external forces outside of our control as well as institutionalised behaviours that are easily overlooked. We suggest how we might begin to address some of these issues as a community, and reassert ourselves as the primary driving force behind the field.