Question re AI Modding
 

How does the AI decide when to build a Facility, Unit or a ship? I guess it builds according to one of the 3 "_Construction_" files. But how does it decide which one to use?

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

IIRC the latest one researched OR at the top of the "call" list (eg light cruiser is latest ship size/type researched so those are what are currently built).

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

I think I understand how the "_Construction_Facilities.txt" files and the Vehichle and Unit one work. But it's not real clear to me how the AI decides which to build. If it has a shipyard on the planet it can build a ship, a unit or another facility.

What prompted this thread was an AI building 20 satellites at the begining of the game. I want to get it to build colony ships or maybe a scout.

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

DavidG, the Vehicle Construction file decides what and how many (ITEMS) to build and at what time.

For example, below, in the (Infrastructure AI state)

If you want Colony Ships sooner then raise it on the list from Entry 15 to Entry 8 for an example.

If you have wanted more Colony ships then add to the Entry 15 Must Have At Least := 1. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
You also could lower the Planet Per Item; use caution here for this may bankrupt the AI in the latter part of the game, by having very many colony ships and nowhere to land http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif Also may burden some Human Players in the Opening Game; by trying to compete for Planets

If you wanted less SATS then lower the Must Have At Least and or raise the Planet Per Item.

AI State := Infrastructure
Num Queue Entries := 40
Entry 1 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 1 Planet Per Item := 5
Entry 1 Must Have At Least := 10
Entry 2 Type := Base Space Yard
Entry 2 Planet Per Item := 0
Entry 2 Must Have At Least := 4
Entry 3 Type := Fighter-S
Entry 3 Planet Per Item := 5
Entry 3 Must Have At Least := 1
Entry 4 Type := Troop
Entry 4 Planet Per Item := 1
Entry 4 Must Have At Least := 0
Entry 5 Type := Defense base-SS
Entry 5 Planet Per Item := 0
Entry 5 Must Have At Least := 3
Entry 6 Type := Defense Ship
Entry 6 Planet Per Item := 60
Entry 6 Must Have At Least := 6
Entry 7 Type := Attack Ship
Entry 7 Planet Per Item := 30
Entry 7 Must Have At Least := 20
Entry 8 Type := Kamikaze Attack Ship
Entry 8 Planet Per Item := 60
Entry 8 Must Have At Least := 6
Entry 9 Type := Battle Cruiser
Entry 9 Planet Per Item := 0
Entry 9 Must Have At Least := 4
Entry 10 Type := Battleship
Entry 10 Planet Per Item := 0
Entry 10 Must Have At Least := 2
Entry 11 Type := Flag Ship
Entry 11 Planet Per Item := 0
Entry 11 Must Have At Least := 1
Entry 12 Type := Boarding Ship
Entry 12 Planet Per Item := 60
Entry 12 Must Have At Least := 6
Entry 13 Type := Defense Base-SB
Entry 13 Planet Per Item := 100
Entry 13 Must Have At Least := 1
Entry 14 Type := SATs (from your Example)
Entry 14 Planet Per Item := 10
Entry 14 Must Have At Least := 20
Entry 15 Type := Colonizer
Entry 15 Planet Per Item := 80 {Use caution when lowering}
Entry 15 Must Have At Least := 1 {OK to raise a few. However, tomany may burden a Human Player early in the game and high AI costs late game}
Entry 16 Type := “~”

[ October 01, 2003, 11:22: Message edited by: JLS ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Originally posted by DavidG:
<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">The AI player will be most efficient if it has its own tailored AI files and ALL Construction Files to include UNIT file located in its Race Folder.
- - - -

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">se4 v1.84

For its protecton, the AI Homeworld will build UNITS first as per the Unit Construction file at the opening few turns of the new game. So a few WPs and or many Proportions type Infantry is a good start in the AI Unit Construction Files http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Then the AI's Homeworld switches to its Planet Ship Yard to build a few Ships until a BSY is built for its assistence; then it will go back and forth between Unit and Vehicle Construction (mostly Vehicle as the priority) until a Facility is lost by Combat or a possible Finite scrap and replace that facility as per the HW AI State in the Facility Construction File requirment.
~TIP~ NOTE: Units assigned to be built from the Vehicle Construction File are mostly built on your AI players Home World http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

New Colony for the New System: AI always build the Resupply Facility FIRST if instructed to do so for that colony in that AI state as per the Facility Construction File then may switch to a unit.
~TIP~ also note it may be recommended to place the Resupply Depot(Supply Generation) before the Spaceport in your Facility Construction file so the AI Player can refuel its ships to increase its defensive, exploration or offensive options sooner http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif Please refer to below example.

New Colony in an already colonized System, one, more or all Resource facilities depending on its need for that resource then it will switch to a few units then go back and forth from there as needed. Other then a need for resources it will build the first Facility then switch to a Unit, as a unit is needed.

Colonies with Ship Yards; basily as above.
~TIP~ It may be best not to include to many resourse facilities for this Colony type, so it may remain focused on building ships and reserve the planet slots for System Support Facilities http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Example and to recommend
SE4 _AI_Construction_Facilities

AI State := Exploration, Infrastructure, Prepare for Attack, Attack, Secure Holdings After Attack, Incursion, Prepare for Defense, Defend (Short Term), Defend (Long Term), Not Connected
Construction Queue Type := Construction Yard
Num Queue Entries := #
Facility 1 Ability := Supply Generation
Facility 1 Amount := 1
Facility 2 Ability := Space Yard
Facility 2 Amount := 1
Facility 3 Ability := Spaceport (Prioritize after shipyard what Support facilities you want for your AI)
Facility 3 Amount := 1
Facility 4 Ability := Point Generation - Research (do you really need this here for example and to consider (System Point Generation Modifier - Research) may be a better choice)
Facility 4 Amount := 1
Facility 5 Ability := Ship Training
Facility 5 Amount := 1
Facility 6 Ability := Fleet Training
Facility 6 Amount := 1
Facility 7 Ability := "~"

[ October 01, 2003, 15:11: Message edited by: JLS ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Thanks.

so what is the "_Construction_Units.txt" file for? (i noticed not all races have this file. is it obsolete? )

Also do you know how the AI decides wether to build a facility or Vehicle/unit?

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

JLS I have seen different AI building priorities:

First priority are facilities if there is space left on the colony. The facilities are chosen according to the colony type and the AI facility construction file.
Second priority is the AI vehicle construction file. Of course you can have units in this file too.
Last priority is the AI unit construction file.

For homeworlds the AI goes directly to the vehicle construction file because homeworlds are full with facilities at the beginning of the game. However for new colonies facilities are built first, which makes them very vulnerable. A human player would usually build first one or two weapon platforms if the colony is at risk for enemy attacks. As far as I have seen it, the AI does not do that.

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Here's another question. during the process of a game does the game refer to the .txt files for info or are they read and 'loaded' into the game at start. In other words can I change the AI's behaviour half way through the game? (I want to create a scenario and will play all the empires in a game myself at the start but I want to make sure I can still modify thier behaviour later)

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

I'm quite sure all the files are reloaded when you save, quit and reload.

I believe many of the AI files get reloaded each turn as well.

Editing the files can't change anything that's already set in stone, such as the racial traits chosen, of course. Turn-to-turn strategies and designs and economic plans are easily changed though.

[ October 03, 2003, 02:06: Message edited by: Suicide Junkie ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

The files are read again at the start of every turn, just like SJ said.

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Originally posted by Q:

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Agreed http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
My preference for the New Systems first Colony would be a Resupply Depot as the first for an AI.
- -

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Agreed.
In addition, with the Vehicles Construction file there is also a protocol of rules to be followed by the AI Players. Please refer to reference.

Even an early introduction of just one Base Ship Yard after the initial Colonizer enty from the AI explore state, will increase the AI’s efficiency in all areas for the AI build sequences http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

In many cases, units from the Vehicles file will be built at the Home World. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

= = =

Then followed by the AI Player to consider its 'RACE'_AI_Construction_Units File

On each turn, this file will be processed (if it exists), as a Default in the AI folder but better IMO is in the actual Race Folders and taylored for that race; as well http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Units will be added
to all planetary construction queues which:
1. Are not currently busy.
2. Those planets which have reached maximum facilities.
3. The amount consumed per turn won't reduce the empire's resources to zero.

Note: If there are units listed in the AI_Construction_Vehicles.txt file, they
will be constructed normally. As per Vehicales File build Rules.
- - - -

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Agreed, with Units at the lead of both the Vehicle and the Unit file the Home World will receive some early protection on the opening few turns of the game. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

I also agree that Colonies do not get rush units at defalt files, se4 v1.84 usually directs the Colonies to build a Facility first, then at some point it gets around to building units. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif

However, if we manipulate that AI's Facility file to exclude Facilities to be built in AI STATE Defend (Short Term); this may prioritize the Unit File for that AI when he is in that state to RUSH build Units for a Colonies Protection, however this may set the AI back if he requires Resources and is for ever reverting back to that excluded state.
Also to consider at the current default and with a slower unit production; domed Colonies may be insured quality unit later in the game. Just some fuel for thought
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
= = = = = =

Reference

_AI_Construction_Vehicles File
Rules:
1. The game picks a selection based on the AI State. There cannot be duplicate
AI states.
2. Item will be placed at whichever spaceyard is available and can get it done the fastest.
3. First item in the queue is selected, and evaluated.
4. If the Build at Least value is greater than 0, we check if the Planet Per Item condition
is still true. If it is, then we purchase another one, if not, we move to the next
queue item. If we do purchase another one, we continue in this loop until the
condition is false, or we have purchased the number in Build At Least.
5. When the Last item is reached, it restarts at the beginning.

~

_AI_Construction_Facilities File
AI State := Exploration, Infrastructure, Prepare for Attack, Attack, Secure Holdings After Attack, Incursion, Prepare for Defense, Defend (Short Term), Defend (Long Term), Not Connected
Construction Queue Type := Mining Colony
Num Queue Entries := 14
Facility 1 Ability := Supply Generation
Facility 1 Amount := 1

~

se4 Default_AI_Construction_Vehicles
AI State := Exploration
Num Queue Entries := 15
Entry 1 Type := Attack Ship
Entry 1 Planet Per Item := 50
Entry 1 Must Have At Least := 2
Entry 2 Type := Weapon Platform (I would recommend as Entry 1)
Entry 2 Planet Per Item := 0
Entry 2 Must Have At Least := 2

~

se4's SAMPLE Default_AI_Construction_Units
Percentage of Resources To Reserve For Unit Construction := 10 (This may be raised a little for some extra early game units)

Colony Type := Homeworld
Num Queue Entries := 5
Entry 1 Type := Troop
Entry 1 Maximum in kT := 200
Entry 2 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 2 Maximum in kT := 600
Entry 3 Type := Fighter
Entry 3 Maximum in kT := 200
Entry 4 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 4 Maximum in kT := 1200
Entry 5 Type := Fighter
Entry 5 Maximum in kT := 65000

[ October 03, 2003, 22:26: Message edited by: JLS ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I usely restart the se4 from desk top as this helps to ensure I have not just inroduced an error after a change.
Then reload the the saved game from there http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ October 03, 2003, 12:55: Message edited by: JLS ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">How will deleteing AI STATE Defend (Short Term) from the facility files colony types help the AI build more units, is more to this and can you expand on your theory.

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">How will deleteing AI STATE Defend (Short Term) from the facility files colony types help the AI build more units, is more to this and can you expand on your theory.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I think what he meant was to delete the Facilities listed under the AI state Defend (Short Term). Then the AI finding no facilities to build will go the the Vehcile const file

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Exactly.

Now you need to follow this up with a Unit File that includes the Colony type the AI may Subscribe too. For Example see reference

You also may include a cell for that exampled Mining Colony Type: Just for that AI STATE Defend (Short Term)

Why AI STATE SHORT TERM DEFEND? This is so; when the AI is triggered to go into this (strategy state) it will consider what is really to be needed to be built; by the designers wishs.

The AI will be triggered into a SHORT TERM STATE by:
With an Enemy in Territory ONLY from any existing AI (strategy) State other then (Defend Long Term and possibly with in the Defend Short Term in its self… But will continue thru the entire defaulted: AI State :=(Defense, Defend (Short Term), Defend (Long Term) States; as long as an Enemy is in your AI's Territory http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

The Short Term State will Last for (about 5 turns) and will Prompt the AI to start fresh builds from the AI Facilities, Vehicle Files (if that Colony has a Ship Yard) and the Units File.
This AI prompt will NEVER delete any existing builds in the Queue and May add to the existing build tasks for some Queues.
With a Default Vehicle File; The AI subscription will start at Entry 1 Type.
example se4 default AI Vehicle File:
AI State := Prepare for Defense, Defend (Short Term), Defend (Long Term)
Num Queue Entries := 21
Entry 1 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 1 Planet Per Item := 0
Entry 1 Must Have At Least := 2
Entry 2 Type := Satellite
Entry 2 Planet Per Item := 0
Entry 2 Must Have At Least := 2
"~"

Any and all build prompts also will be subject to the Facility, Vehicles and Unit build protocol of Rules.

The AI will remain in the strategy state of: Defend Short Term if an attack is underway by enemy forces. This is the early stages of the defense for about the (first 5 turns).

If the enemy is now; only near by and not in your AI’s System and there, is (no) unexplored systems close by; then the AI will switch to: Infrastructure State
If the AI can still explore some new systems with no Enemy nearby; then the AI will default to the EXPLORE STATE.

If the Enemy attack is continuous in your AI’s territory THEN your AI may perceive this to be a prolonged conflict and need to TOTALLY defend its systems http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon9.gif your AI Player will lock into and to continue with the Defend Long Term (strategy set) until that enemy is gone from its territory then that AI will resume at the Infrastructure State; until another trigger. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

Reference
Example Only "RACE"_AI_Construction_Facilities
AI State := Defend (Short Term)
Construction Queue Type := Mining Colony
Num Queue Entries := #
Facility 1 Ability := Supply Generation
Facility 1 Amount := 1
Facility 2 Ability := Shield Modifier - System
Facility 2 Amount := 1
Facility 3 Ability := Combat Modifier - System
Facility 3 Amount := 1
Facility 4 Ability := Damage Modifier – System
Facility 4 Amount := 1
Facility 5 Ability := Change Population Happiness – System
Facility 5 Amount := 1
Facility 6 Ability := Stop Planet Destroyer
Facility 6 Amount := 1
Facility 7 Ability := Stop Black Hole Creator
Facility 7 Amount := 1
Facility 8 Ability := ETC

Example only “RACE”_AI_Construction_Units
Colony Type := Mining Colony
Num Queue Entries := 23
Entry 1 Type := Fighter
Entry 1 Maximum in kT := 140
Entry 2 Type := Troop
Entry 2 Maximum in kT := 60
Entry 3 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 3 Maximum in kT := 200
Entry 4 Type := Troop
Entry 4 Maximum in kT := 140
Entry 5 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 5 Maximum in kT := 400
Entry 6 Type := Fighter
Entry 6 Maximum in kT := 350
Entry 7 Type := Troop
Entry 7 Maximum in kT := 340
Entry 8 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 8 Maximum in kT := 600
Entry 9 Type := Troop
Entry 9 Maximum in kT := 540
Entry 10 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 10 Maximum in kT := 1000
Entry 11 Type := Troop
Entry 11 Maximum in kT := 940
Entry 12 Type := Fighter
Entry 12 Maximum in kT := 600
Entry 13 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 13 Maximum in kT := 2000
Entry 14 Type := Troop
Entry 14 Maximum in kT := 1140
Entry 15 Type := Fighter
Entry 15 Maximum in kT := 1200
Entry 16 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 16 Maximum in kT := 3000
Entry 17 Type := Troop
Entry 17 Maximum in kT := 1340
Entry 18 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 18 Maximum in kT := 4000
Entry 19 Type := Troop
Entry 19 Maximum in kT := 1540
Entry 20 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 20 Maximum in kT := 5000
Entry 21 Type := Satellite
Entry 21 Maximum in kT := 2400
Entry 22 Type := Weapon Platform
Entry 22 Maximum in kT := 6000
Entry 23 Type := Troop
Entry 23 Maximum in kT := 3000

[ October 07, 2003, 20:30: Message edited by: JLS ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

hmm, I dunno. From my observations the AI uses the Defend (Short Term) as the most common state. And also can stay there for long periods of time.
That is why I treat Defend (Short Term) as the default state (usually use the same queues as Infrastructure). Removing the facility builds could hurt the development of the AI IMHO.

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Originally posted by Rollo:

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">It is absolute that the AI will only go into Defend (Short Term) when a Enemy is in its territory… ANd clear this AI State when the Enemy is Cleared.

And agreed, that if the Enemy stays in the AI players Territory that with the se4 default layout of AI States "as you say" and as we both have seen http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif the AI will remain in the Defend (Short Term) and Continue thru and to the Defend (Long Term) as per the se4 default SET with respect of the Vehicle File:
AI State := Prepare for Defense, Defend (Short Term), Defend (Long Term)
Un till that enemy is cleared.

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Absolutely Rollo, this is feasible as long as it is understood that any time an Enemy enters your AI’s Territory that it will now Subscribe to this non-default AI State := Defend (Short Term), Infrastructure
Un till that enemy is cleared. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
Then exit to the Explore State if there are still unexplored Systems near http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
And (may not reset) to Entry 1 of the non-defaulted and combined Infrastructure State; after the AI has cleared the Enemy and is directed to resume the Infrastructure State. Because in that layout, it is already producing in that State.

In addition, this non-default lay-out (((may))) result in the probable non-subscribing of the Defend (Long Term), depending on where this may be located or paired with; in a non-defaulted se4 Vehicles file. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Agreed, http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
as I posted, but this is an option and fuel for thought to produce Units in a possable time of need, thats all... And does come with a circumstance http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ October 07, 2003, 22:15: Message edited by: JLS ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">exactly, and this is the whole reason behind it. Since it is very common that some enemy ship is nearby (be it some scout or even colony ship) I like the AI to just follow the 'main plan'.
In regards to Defend (Long Term), I cannot recall seeing an AI in this state once. It is rare to say the least.

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">Not sure what you mean by that '(may not reset)', since the AI will work it's way down the queue starting with entry 1 every turn.

[ October 07, 2003, 23:42: Message edited by: Rollo ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Rollo, you are introducing an AI doctrine that you feel is best for the environments that you perceive, and your doctrines are solid; please do not misunderstand me. Your doctrine offers a great deal towards AI growth and probable economic options.

However, the AI is hard coded to change States when another non-treaty Empires Ship enters your AI's territory and that AI State is AI State := Defend (Short Term). If Defend (Short Term) is paired with another AI State so-be-it and is irrelevant, the AI will not change States again until there is no longer an enemy ship in its territory. In addition, the AI may decide to continue to the Defend (Long Term) State, which in actuality is nothing more then a continuation of the (Short Term state) build process with the default Vehicle Construction File.

So basically to say, with a Lay out of AI State := Defend (Short Term), Infrastructure; and the Enemy is not cleared from that AI’s Territory that as far as the Vehicle Construction file is concerned, the whole Category of the non-default {Defend (Short Term), Infrastructure} is in actuality the continuation of the now non-existent Defend (Long Term) State; that was once combined as above.

~

Also to say that the Hard Code will allow the AI to change from the Defend (Short Term) States, ONLY after the enemy is cleared, and excluding (Long Term); that this will yield only TWO strategy state options for that AI:

1: Explore State and only if there is NOT an Enemy controlled System nearby and there is in fact an unexplored System near.

2: Infrastructure State and only if the Enemy is still near but not actually in its Territory and there are no Un-explored Systems nearby.
= = = =

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">You are asserting your “main plan” and it would be unwise and/or disrespectful for me to comment on all the Pros and any Cons of your doctrine.

Other then to say, as I posted above; in regards to some obvious strengths. http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif
- - - -

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">I will risk a response to this with disregard to the uncertainty of the location of your Defend (Long Term) AI State's placement in your Vehicle Construction file.

What I proposes is happening to your Defend (Long Term) and only as this applies to your Vehicle Construction file is that; what is probably happening, is that the Continuation from Short Term defend to Long Term Defend can not happen, and that this continuation for Long Term Defend is in your: Defend (Short Term)--> that will Continue to your combined---> Infrastructure State… http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
- - - -

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">This is based on above:

“Also to say that the Hard Code will allow the AI to change states; ONLY after the enemy is cleared, and that this will yield only TWO strategy state options for that AI:"
2: Infrastructure State and only if the Enemy is still near but not actually in its Territory and there are no Un-explored Systems nearby.”


If your AI is already in the Infrastructure State as it is also paired with the Defend (Short Term). Now when it comes out of the Defend (Short Term) State it is already in the Infrastructure State

Hence as it is already producing in that Category it may not reset to Entry 1 of your: AI State := Defend (Short Term), Infrastructure; with in your Vehicle Construction file Category.

http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ October 08, 2003, 19:35: Message edited by: JLS ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Is there some place where the various triggers that change the AI state are described? I have no idea how to determine what state an AI is in, so I can't figure out how you know what the triggers are for changing them. If someone could give me a pointer on that, it would be very appreciated.

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

JLS
Captain
Member # 3718

posted June 22, 2003 17:37
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

============================

Assuming no changes from se4 Version 1.78

On average the most AI State Changes, from the Exploration State is to:
1: Defend Short Term State
2: Infrastructure State
3: Not Connected State

Ok, from the first Exploration State; your AI just went into Infrastructure State, as we have previously discussed, by either (A)or(B)

A: Your AI had an agreement with another Player and Your AI no longer had Systems, reasonably close to Explore, your AI would go into the Infrastructure State.

If (A) was the only Variable, the AI or AI’s will live happily ever-after. Remain in Infrastructure and (may) Consider Not Connected State, at some point.

However, ALL: AI Settings Files, Anger Files, Politics Files and Accept Treaties; WILL always be in play. It is probable at some point, that/those AI may not like; living happily ever-after forever, and break the (Existing Treaty with the other Original Player)

===

B: If there is an Enemy Near but not in the Claimed Territory, then your AI may go into Infrastructure State

If (B) is the only variable to consider, and other Player had no agreement, then from the Infrastructure State.

If the Enemy Players System are Nearby, the AI may Consider the Prepare Attack State then to consider the actual * Attack State.
(This is why continuing a new game, when you start next to Psychos, like the XiChung; is not usually a winnable choice, in any se4 Game)
-
The AI may just consider the Incursion State early with a quick Muster, if that AI considers the enemies systems, is not well defended.
---
(C):The AI (may) Consider a Prepare for Defense State.
If the (adjacent system vs. Home/System) Ship strength numbers are not even near favorable
====
((D)): If your AI, IS IN any State mentioned above, and ANY ENEMY Player has entered your territory, then your AI WILL Change to Defend Short Term State for a few turns :

Your AI will now; analyze its current Situation, IF-THEN :

IF enemy is still in its territory after a few turns go by, it will remain in the Defend Short Term State * that may continue to * Prepare for Defense State, and in the end; to Defend (Long Term) State.
-----
Until:
(E) Enemy is NOT IN that AI’s territory and there are NO Systems to Explore; then your AI may revert to the ~(B) Infrastructure State

FROM (E)to(B)THEN and IF , Enough time since the Last Attack has passed from your AI Settings File (XiChung @ Turns to Wait until next attack := 6) then your AI WILL consider from (B) Infrastructure State again, for an Attack or an Incursion

(F) However, from Defend Short Term, if no enemy is in that AI territory, or nearby and there are Systems to Explore still; then your AI may revert all the way back to the Exploration State and start the above process, from the Scenario you presented; all over again.

===========================================

Definitions and Actions:

AI Defend Short Term Strategic State:
This would be the first stage for the AI Player, to boot the other Enemy player out of his territory and for that AI to analyze its current Status for that current Situation
(Continues for about 5 turns. Then this AI will make a decisive decision; for the next State Change)
As outlined in ((D)),(E), and (F).
-

AI Prepare to Attack State:
AI considers a nearby enemy system is weak and could be conquered. Your AI will now prepare a Fleet/Fleets and get ready to attack that system.

AI Attack State:
Your AI will now consider this to be a valid and doable Attack, if so, then the AI will attack that Enemy System and attempt to conquer it.

In both the above, Prepare for Attack, Attack States, your AI has some save guards, so your AI may revert to various other states, however, the State you DO want to see, as the next change, is the:

Secure Holdings State
Your AI’s attack has been completed and it was VICTORIOUS.

Your AI will send in ships to secure the system (a few pre-built defense ships will do well here, if any planets were captured +Happy , and your AI will now want to colonize any empty planets…
This is were your next best Colony Expansion Policy, should reap, the next best and safest rewards

When in the Secure Holdings State and that newly conquered System is now totally secured; your AI will revert back to ~(B) Infrastructure State...
And your AI, may start the process all over again, begining from ~(B) Infrastructure State

Also note: If any Enemy enters any Territory, also from the Secure Holdings State.
Your AI will revert, briefly; to the ((D)) AI Defend Short Term Strategic State:
To re-evaluate
===
END
===
=
==
=
Any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

AI States

EDIT: I will revise this post to be less technical as it is a copy of what I posted to answer a Players question on how does an AI get from Explore State to the Infrastructure State. As soon as time permits, I will clean this up to include all the AI states in more detail http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

[ October 11, 2003, 14:04: Message edited by: JLS ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Thanks! I've been wondering about those AI states since SEIV (non gold). this will definitly help my AI modding.
Niltrias

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

I’m enjoying AIC Version 3.02. Started game with organic technology, increase maintenance and research technology level, and reduce repair and ground fighting capacities. Set the game for large cluster, both high levels for number of AI players and difficultly with no bonuses. Started with finite resources and simultaneous movement. No tactical movement allow, only could colonized our planet type (i.e. rock or ice or gas).
Started in the southeast corner of the cluster galaxy. Had on-going wars with two other AI races from turns fifteen to sixty. Formed a partnership with one AI race, later broke the treaty and attacked me on turn eighty or so. By turn hundred and ten, eliminated three AI races by ground assaults on they home planets, and holding my own against two of the major races.
The AI does fairly well at mining and defending warp holes and planets, use of fighters and other technologies. The largest AI fleet I witnessed so far has been eleven ships. If they lose a ship to my minefield, the next ship they send in is a minesweeper. The AI has a problem getting by a warp hole defended by fighters. One race would keep on sending ships armed with capital missiles with only a single point defense weapon on board to try to force open the warp hole. Only fought one AI race with fighters so far, that engagement I lost all my thirty fighters to his forty fighters. Had wrong orders for the fighter is why I lost that engagement. All my frontier planets have mines, fighters and weapons platforms for defense, before I start building any facilities. AI races will tried to destroyed my out laying planets and re-colonize themselves.
I never played a SE4 game with finite resources before. Interesting challenged collecting allow resources, finding enough room/planets to store your extra resources, building up your economic and always keep on expanding outwards. It’s forces you to expand quickly at first and defend your frontiers.
I have been wondering if there enough resources left, to finish this game. If all the other AI races had already colonize all the other planets, with finite resources when will the galaxy run out of resources? I’m had started construction of asteroid mining ships for both asteroids and ice / gas planets, but it only a stop gap measure.

Lighthorse

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

Thanks Lighthorse, I would like to here more about your AIC Finite game at the AI Campaign thread. I like your settings for the Finite game, you may however tie your hands a little in Finite Play; with (only could colonized our planet type) and may make those Asteroids Fields one of the most valued of terrains to defend or too conquer. With this said, the AI as a result of se4 logic does NOT Asteroid or vacant planet Robo Mine and this will be a crippling AI disadvantage http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon10.gif Now if you want a chalange in a (only could colonized our planet type), you may take Ice or Gas against only the AI Players of Rock Type.

NOTE: Other then possibly Gas or Ice type AI to an extent; an increased AI Bonus should assist the AI for most se4 and MODS with (only could colonized our planet type). I will look for additional options as well for the AI within AIC with this style of play, thanks for the heads up, Lighthorse http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
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Most of the AI Players with AIC; will have at least one (Seeker) Ship Class in there arsenal to keep the Human Players honest from jump; as to maintain at least some point defense capabilities on there ships, but worry not they will fleet with Ships that specialize in direct fire beam and CVs soon enough.

You may in many games see AI Player fleets and Ships in a sector or sectors that may exceed one to two Hundred in total Ship Numbers.
However, since the AI thru the PPI (please refer to reference) of the Vehicles Construction file is based on total Planets to support the AI Fleets. Then with (only could colonized our planet type or Breathable Atmospheres only) will naturally keep the total Colonized Planets down, hense having the effect of reduceing overall total SHIP counts. Resulting in most cases the AI with some MODS may have an inability to produce large amounts of ships. That ROCK type AI may out perform all other AI types (gas or Ice) if war was to start for AI versus AI. Also to say that even ROCK type AI Players may not perform well against the crafty Human Player that exclusively has the ability to Robo-mine the vacant unobtainable Planet types from (only could colonized our planet type) and Asteroids http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif
- - -

Yes Lighthorse, with AI Campaigns Urban Centers; Cities, Large Metropolises thru World Culture Centers you will always have Base Economics that are not effected by Planet Values and this will represent Commerce. In addition, Systems with two or more Stars are the equivalent, of some of the best beachs on the Med or the beauty of the Caribbean and this will boost your economy greatly; when large Cities spring up in those Systems http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif But this thread should not be about AIC, and is for AI Modding and options discussion in general http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

However, do not overlook the value of Planet Utilizations Facilities to bolster your Planets resource potential and values; when playing Finite in any MOD or se4 http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon7.gif

= = = = = = = =
REFERENCE for PPI

Rules:
1. The game picks a selection based on the AI State. There cannot be duplicate
AI states.
2. Item will be placed at whichever spaceyard is available and can get it done the fastest.
> 3. First item in the queue is selected, and evaluated. We construct if:
{Please veiw code}
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">code:</font><hr /><pre style="font-size:x-small; font-family: monospace;">a. There are less than X planets per each item, (if there are 13 planets and we already
have 4 ships of this design type, and the Planet Per Item value = 3,
then we buy another one). If PPI &lt; (Num Planets / Num Ships of Type), construct.
</pre><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">4. If the Build at Least value is greater than 0, we check if the Planet Per Item condition
is still true. If it is, then we purchase another one, if not, we move to the next
queue item. If we do purchase another one, we continue in this loop until the
condition is false, or we have purchased the number in Build At Least.
5. When the Last item is reached, it restarts at the beginning.

- - -

Entry X Planet Per Item:
Number of planets per each item in 10ths.
(20 = 2.0: We want 1 item for every 2 planets we have.)

Entry X Must Have At Least:
Must have this many of this type in existance, or being built.
If not, then build more.
This comes before Planet Per Item. {and assumes the AI may afford this minimum count, so the MHAL numbers that are placed here must be resonable for the AI Players: Defense or Yard Bases and the Ship Minimums. The AI designer must consider the future late game upgrade costs and maintainence is affordable because MHAL is not based on probable and/or designed pre-planed Mining Colonies. Where as PPI will consider probable pre-designed Mining Colonies and Etc.} http://forum.shrapnelgames.com/images/icons/icon12.gif

[ October 11, 2003, 18:26: Message edited by: JLS ]

Re: Question re AI Modding
 

<font size="2" face="sans-serif, arial, verdana">JLS, could you post more on the Defend states with the AI actions?