The Advancement of AI-Driven Interactive Storytelling: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models
In the past decade, the world of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has undergone a significant evolution. What originated as fringe projects with early language models has grown into a dynamic landscape of tools, services, and enthusiasts. This article examines the current landscape of AI RP, from widely-used tools to groundbreaking techniques.
The Rise of AI RP Platforms
Various services have come to prominence as well-liked hubs for AI-enhanced fiction writing and role-play. These allow users to participate in both classic role-playing and more risqué ERP (sensual storytelling) scenarios. Personas like Euryvale, or custom personalities like Midnight Miqu have become popular choices.
Meanwhile, other websites have gained traction for hosting and sharing "character cards" – ready-to-use digital personas that users can interact with. The Chaotic Soliloquy community has been particularly active in creating and sharing these cards.
Advancements in Language Models
The rapid progression of neural language processors (LLMs) has been a primary catalyst of AI RP's proliferation. Models like Llama.cpp and the legendary "Mythomax" (a speculative future model) highlight the expanding prowess of AI in producing consistent and context-aware responses.
Fine-tuning has become a essential technique for adjusting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This process allows for more nuanced and reliable interactions.
The Drive for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the demand for privacy and user control. This has led to the emergence of "local LLMs" and on-premise model deployment. Various "LLM hosting" services have emerged to satisfy this need.
Endeavors like NeverSleep and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it achievable for users to utilize powerful language models on their local machines. This "self-hosted model" approach resonates with those focused on data privacy or those who simply relish customizing AI systems.
Various tools have grown in favor as accessible options for deploying local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These more sophisticated models, while GPU-demanding, offer improved performance for intricate RP scenarios.
Pushing Boundaries and Exploring New Frontiers
The AI RP community is celebrated for its inventiveness and eagerness to push boundaries. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more adaptable and spontaneous characters.
Some users pursue "uncensored" or "augmented" models, striving for maximum creative freedom. However, this raises ongoing philosophical conversations within the community.
Niche platforms have surfaced to serve specific niches or provide alternative approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "data protection" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.
The Future of AI RP
As we look to the future, several patterns are taking shape:
Increased focus on self-hosted and secure AI solutions
Development of more sophisticated and efficient models (e.g., anticipated LLaMA-3)
Investigation of novel techniques like "perpetual context" for maintaining long-term context
Combination of AI website with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike experiences
Personas like Euryvale hint at the potential for AI to create entire fictional worlds and intricate narratives.
The AI RP space remains a crucible of advancement, with collectives like Backyard AI pushing the boundaries of what's possible. As GPU technology advances and techniques like quantization improve efficiency, we can expect even more impressive AI RP experiences in the near future.
Whether you're a casual role-player or a dedicated "quant" working on the next breakthrough in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers infinite opportunities for innovation and adventure.