The Evolution of AI-Enabled Interactive Storytelling: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models

In the past decade, the realm of AI-powered role-playing (RP) has seen a dramatic transformation. What originated as niche experiments with early language models has grown into a thriving community of applications, services, and enthusiasts. This piece investigates the present state of AI RP, from user favorites to cutting-edge techniques.

The Emergence of AI RP Platforms

Various tools have emerged as favored focal points for AI-powered narrative creation and immersive storytelling. These allow users to engage in both conventional storytelling and more adult-oriented ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Characters like Stheno, or original creations like Poppy Porpoise have become popular choices.

Meanwhile, other websites have gained traction for sharing and exchanging "character cards" – customizable AI entities that users can interact with. The IkariDev community has been especially active in designing and spreading these cards.

Breakthroughs in Language Models

The accelerated progression of neural language processors (LLMs) has been a primary catalyst of AI RP's proliferation. Models like LLaMA CPP and the fabled "HyperVerbal" (a hypothetical future model) highlight the expanding prowess of AI in producing consistent and situationally appropriate responses.

Model customization has become a crucial technique for adapting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This approach allows for more sophisticated 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 to the rise of "private LLMs" and more info self-hosted AI options. 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 feasible for users to run powerful language models on their local machines. This "on-device AI" approach appeals to those focused on data privacy or those who simply appreciate tinkering with AI systems.

Various tools have grown in favor as accessible options for managing local models, including powerful 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while GPU-demanding, offer enhanced capabilities for elaborate RP scenarios.

Pushing Boundaries and Venturing into New Frontiers

The AI RP community is recognized for its inventiveness and willingness to break new ground. Tools like Neural Path Optimization allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and surprising characters.

Some users seek out "unrestricted" or "augmented" models, aiming for maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing ethical debates within the community.

Niche tools have emerged to serve specific niches or provide novel approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "no logging" 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 patterns are emerging:

Growing focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Advancement of more powerful and optimized models (e.g., anticipated Quants)
Exploration of novel techniques like "perpetual context" for preserving long-term context
Fusion of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike experiences
Characters like Lumimaid hint at the possibility for AI to produce entire virtual universes and expansive narratives.

The AI RP space remains a hotbed of innovation, with groups like IkariDev expanding the limits of what's possible. As GPU technology progresses and techniques like cognitive optimization enhance performance, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the near future.

Whether you're a curious explorer or a dedicated "AI researcher" working on the next discovery in AI, the world of AI-powered RP offers limitless potential for innovation and exploration.