The Evolution of AI-Powered Interactive Storytelling: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models
In the past decade, the realm of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has seen a remarkable shift. What began as fringe projects with early language models has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of platforms, services, and enthusiasts. This overview explores the present state of AI RP, from widely-used tools to innovative techniques.
The Emergence of AI RP Platforms
Various services have risen as popular hubs for AI-assisted storytelling and immersive storytelling. These allow users to experience both traditional RP and more risqué ERP (sensual storytelling) scenarios. Avatars like Stheno, or user-generated entities like Midnight Miqu have become fan favorites.
Meanwhile, other platforms have grown in popularity for distributing and circulating "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can engage. The IkariDev community has been especially active in crafting and spreading these cards.
Breakthroughs in Language Models
The rapid development of large language models (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's expansion. Models like Llama.cpp and the legendary "OmniLingua" (a theoretical future model) demonstrate the growing potential of AI in producing consistent and situationally appropriate responses.
Model customization has become a essential technique for adapting these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This process allows for more refined and stable interactions.
The Movement for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has become more widespread, so too has the call for confidentiality and user control. This has led to the rise of "user-owned language processors" and local hosting solutions. Various "LLM hosting" services have been created to address this need.
Projects like Kobold AI and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it feasible for users to run powerful language models on their own hardware. This "self-hosted model" approach resonates with those worried about data privacy or those who simply enjoy customizing AI systems.
Various tools have become widely adopted as user-friendly options for managing local models, including powerful 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while processing-heavy, offer enhanced capabilities for complex RP scenarios.
Pushing Boundaries and Venturing into New Frontiers
The AI RP community is celebrated for its innovation and willingness to push boundaries. Tools like Cognitive Vector Control allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more versatile and unpredictable characters.
Some users pursue "unrestricted" or "obliterated" models, targeting maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing ethical debates within the community.
Specialized tools have appeared to cater to specific niches or provide novel approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "privacy-first" 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:
Heightened focus on self-hosted and secure AI solutions
Development of more sophisticated and optimized website models (e.g., rumored Quants)
Exploration of groundbreaking techniques like "perpetual context" for maintaining long-term context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Entities like Poppy Porpoise hint at the prospect for AI to generate entire virtual universes and expansive narratives.
The AI RP domain remains a crucible of advancement, with groups like Backyard AI pushing the boundaries of what's attainable. As GPU technology advances and techniques like cognitive optimization improve efficiency, we can expect even more remarkable AI RP experiences in the near future.
Whether you're a occasional storyteller or a passionate "quant" working on the next discovery in AI, the world of AI-powered RP offers limitless potential for innovation and exploration.