AI Modding 101?

[Litcube]

Here's another:

What defines each of the AI's modes?

Exploration, I'm assuming is right off the start. But at what point does it shift gears? And to which gear does it shift?

[hicksz]

I agree with Litcube. Thanks to everyone for there help.

I just read your question Litcube and would like to know too.

Originally posted by Litcube:
Here's another:

What defines each of the AI's modes?

Exploration, I'm assuming is right off the start. But at what point does it shift gears? And to which gear does it shift?

I finally read all of the information that you had linked for us Rollo. I have a lot of information to keep me busy for a while. Thanks. Also thank you and Imperator Fyron for answering my "Not Connected" AI Research Question. The reason I was thinking that "Not Connected" is a don't care anymore by the AI is because the "Not Connected" research is alwasy show at the end of the txt file.

Originally posted by Rollo:

quote:

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Originally posted by hicksz:
...This is taken from one of the AI Reseach.txt file:

AI State := Not Connected
Tech Area Name := Rock Planet Colonization
Tech Area Level := 1
Tech Area Min Percent := 100

I notice all of the "Not Connected" AI States use a "Tech Area Min Percent" of 100.

actually that is a pretty bad choice, IMO.
"Tech Area Min Percent" of 100 always results in lost research points, since only one project will be in the queue.

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This was taken from the TDM-Modpack.

I am really happy with Atraikius AI_DesignCreation_CheatSheet.doc but I'm bothered that this post and the document will get buried again when this post becomes old news. I was wondering if the document could be link to "Frequently Asked Questions for Newbies" or to Imperator Fyron SEIV Modding 101 tutorial since the doc is a modding subject?

[ February 22, 2004, 22:11: Message edited by: hicksz ]

[Baron Munchausen]

The conditions that make the AI switch states are hard-coded and not available to players in any way.

MM had a special debug mode in the game for a while that let us watch and see what modes the AI was using (to help develop AI mods, of course... and it seemed to spend more time in 'short term defense' mode than anything else.

As a general rule, it will be in 'exploration' mode when there are no enemies to deal with. So, yes, the first part of most games will be spent entirely in exploration mode until first contact with periodic breaks for 'Infrastructure' mode.

First reaction to an enemy incursion is 'Defend - short term' and since anyone you don't have a treaty above 'non-intercourse' with is an enemy that would be why it spends so much time in that mode.

When the AI wants to get aggressive it goes into 'prepare for attack' mode and this is obvious if you are the object of attack. We've all seen it. The fleet that is going to attack you will sit there in plain view as it builds up. If the attack fails it assesses its strength according to its own secret standards and either starts a new buildup or goes into 'infrastructure' mode to build up its strength some more before checking to see if it ought to attack someone -- assuming it is not attacked in turn before getting around to that.

The other modes are very rarely used, unfortunately. I never once saw the AI use 'defend - long term' mode.

[ February 23, 2004, 03:47: Message edited by: Baron Munchausen ]

[Fyron]

Originally posted by hicksz:
This was taken from the TDM-Modpack.

Keep in mind that there is no "right" way to create an AI. There will always be dissenting opinions (once you get beyond the mechanics, of course).

I am really happy with Atraikius AI_DesignCreation_CheatSheet.doc but I'm bothered that this post and the document will get buried again when this post becomes old news. I was wondering if the document could be link to "Frequently Asked Questions for Newbies" or to Imperator Fyron SEIV Modding 101 tutorial since the doc is a modding subject?

If we can get Atraikus' permission, I would be happy to include this in SEIV Modding 101 Tutorial.

[Litcube]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:
If we can get Atraikus' permission, I would be happy to include this in SEIV Modding 101 Tutorial.

Sweet.

For the past month or so, most of my requests for AI Modding help have been met with, "Read SE4 Modding 101".

[Litcube]

Baron Munchausen,

I'm assuming that this debug mode doesn't exist anymore. I'm curious why a game that is purportedly modder friendly would disable an invaluable tool such as this; but again, I'm assuming.

Have you ever seen the AI go back into "explorer" mode after initial contact with a race?

[ February 23, 2004, 18:38: Message edited by: Litcube ]

[hicksz]

Originally posted by Imperator Fyron:

quote:

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Originally posted by hicksz:
This was taken from the TDM-Modpack.

Keep in mind that there is no "right" way to create an AI. There will always be dissenting opinions (once you get beyond the mechanics, of course).

---

I know Imperator Fyron. I was debating on telling Rollo that but when he said bad choice, I laughed out loud and had to say it came from the TDM-Modpack. I'm very happy with the TDM-Modpack (and every other mod I tried) and I'm using it as the template for my private mod.

I am really happy with Atraikius AI_DesignCreation_CheatSheet.doc but I'm bothered that this post and the document will get buried again when this post becomes old news. I was wondering if the document could be link to "Frequently Asked Questions for Newbies" or to Imperator Fyron SEIV Modding 101 tutorial since the doc is a modding subject?

If we can get Atraikus' permission, I would be happy to include this in SEIV Modding 101 Tutorial.


I will contact Attraikus when I get home from work. His E-mail is listed on his profile and I will try to seek permission. I will let you know if I get it. Hopefully this can be a start to completing your modding 101 tutorial. I remember reading on your forum that the AI mods were being considered. As soon as all of the AI mods are added SE V will come out and we will have to start all over again.

[ February 23, 2004, 20:05: Message edited by: hicksz ]