AI Dungeon: How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing Role-Playing Games

AI Dungeon is not a brand-new game, but it's evolving almost daily. With the current surge of interest in AI, many gamers are discovering AI Dungeon, just as I did.

I remember the era of text adventures vividly. Back then, you had to type commands like "GO NORTH" to progress through the game. If you encountered a tricky puzzle, you were stuck until a magazine published the solution.

Younger gamers might scoff, but this wasn't that long ago. Companies like Infocom and

Sierra-Online were pioneers in this field, with games like Zork and King’s Quest still being played today.

Text adventures began to fade when LucasArts introduced point-and-click games like Monkey Island, coinciding with the rise of the computer mouse.

To provide more context, during the era of text adventures, gamers would dial into networked BBSs (bulletin board systems) to play MUDs (multi-user dungeons), which were text-based and allowed for multiplayer interaction. It felt like the future of D&D.

There's an excellent documentary called GET LAMP if you're interested in learning more.

As technology advanced, graphical games and the internet began to dominate, leading to a decline in the need for imaginative text-based gameplay.

However, AI Dungeon is reviving the text-based adventure genre with a modern twist. This game uses artificial intelligence to serve as your dungeon master (DM), crafting narratives based on your keyboard commands.

AI in gaming has faced criticism, particularly regarding its impact on graphic designers and programmers. But AI Dungeon is built entirely around what AI can do, raising the question of whether it's still a problem.

Launched in 2019 by Nick Walton using an early version of OpenAI’s GPT-2, AI Dungeon initially provided limited responses to player inputs. Yet, within a year, it attracted 1.5 million players and generated over $15,000 per month in Patreon donations.

Today, Walton’s company, Latitude, has raised millions in seed funding, launched the game on Steam, and offers a highly interactive browser version. There are also apps for iOS and Android.

AI Dungeon is available for free, but you can purchase a Premium pass ranging from $9.99 to $29.99 per month. The free model uses non-premium language models and lacks image generation, while premium tiers offer faster AI responses, access to advanced language models, and AI credits for image generation.

Higher-tier subscriptions also provide a larger "memory," allowing the game to recall events from earlier in the adventure. For example, if you try to woo a barmaid, she may remember you later.

Players can choose to join an existing adventure, use the Quick Start option to create a character and jump right in, or even create scenarios for others to play.

Latitude has implemented safety mechanisms to manage content, ensuring a positive experience for most players.

AI Dungeon offers a vast scope for adventure. Whether you want to create multiplayer games for friends or dive into a solo adventure, this game has something for everyone. Explore AI Dungeon and you might find yourself at the forefront of a gaming revolution, much like I did in the 80s.