The PC game, mind you. If it did learn to play with real-life human civilization, you probably wouldn’t be reading this. Or maybe you still are, except that unknown to you, your mind has been fed a simulation as its energy is sucked to power the machines.
Okay… that was a bit overboard. The news we’re trying to share is a team of scientists led by computer science professor Regina Barzilay let a computer read a game manual for Civilization 2. In the resulting gameplay, the computer was able to improve its performance to the point where it emerged victorious 79% of the time.
The Significance of the Experiment
Civilization is an awesome franchise. Currently in its fifth installment, the reason Barzilay and Co. chose Civ 2 is because its code was readily accessible. The whole point of the experiment wasn’t so much gaming, but allowing computers to process language and comprehend what’s processed. This experiment is a significant step forward in the field of natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI). By teaching a computer to understand and apply the rules from a game manual, the researchers demonstrated that machines could potentially learn and adapt to complex tasks by interpreting human language.
In case you were wondering, pictured north is a screenshot of Civilization 4, which is okay graphic-wise but features a few more gameplay tweaks compared to its predecessors. Civilization 4 introduced new elements such as religion and great people, which added layers of strategy and depth to the gameplay. These enhancements made the game more engaging and challenging for players, showcasing the evolution of the franchise over time.
Implications for Future AI Development
Still, the fact that it won when the game was set for world domination victory conditions is freaking cool. This achievement is not just a testament to the computer’s ability to understand and execute complex strategies, but also a glimpse into the future of AI development. Imagine the potential applications of this technology beyond gaming. For instance, AI systems could be used to read and interpret technical manuals, legal documents, or medical literature, thereby assisting professionals in various fields by providing accurate and efficient solutions.
The experiment was a success though and the people behind it might be planning more ambitious tests in the future. These future tests could involve more complex games or real-world scenarios where AI systems are required to make decisions based on a vast amount of information. The ultimate goal is to create AI that can think, learn, and adapt like humans, which could revolutionize industries such as healthcare, finance, and education.
Moreover, this experiment highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing AI research. By combining expertise in computer science, linguistics, and cognitive psychology, researchers can develop more sophisticated AI systems capable of understanding and interacting with the world in a human-like manner.
The success of this experiment with Civilization 2 is a promising indication of the potential for AI to learn and adapt through natural language processing. As researchers continue to push the boundaries of what AI can achieve, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking advancements in the near future.
Source MIT News
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
