[Freeciv-Dev] (no subject)

[gamer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (SimFlyer)]

From: SimFlyer <gamer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: rf13@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
CC: freeciv-dev@xxxxxxxxxxx
In-reply-to: <20010419130222.A29447@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> (message from
        Raimar Falke on Thu, 19 Apr 2001 13:02:22 +0200)
Subject: Re: Client AI development
Reply-to: gamer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
References:  <20010419130222.A29447@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

   Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2001 13:02:22 +0200
   From: Raimar Falke <hawk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
   Cc: SimFlyer <gamer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
   Reply-To: rf13@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
   X-Location: Dresden, Saxonia, Germany, Europe, Earth



   Cell based client structure
   ===========================

   ...

   What to you think? Overengineered? Do you think it is realizable?

Single Input and Output mean that separate chains have difficulty
communicating.  Allowing multiple inputs and outputs provides
cross-communication, which allows an AI to act globally.

You need to add a "Timer" and a method to handle "best move(s)".  The
issue is that units have several possible moves in any turn, and a
limited time to issue that move.  There is a best move for Offensive
purposes, a best move for Defensive purposes, etc.  You cannot spend
forever deciding what move should occur, but you should only issue
move/action orders at the last possible moment, in order to maximize
that time.  These suggestions are not simple to achieve, as every game
AI programmer has learned.


Realizability:

These plans really come down to the dream of AI, something that has
been elusive for some time now.  I wonder if the correct way to
achieve something useful is to modify the goal.  Rather than create a
complete stand-alone AI competing in games with player at a
challenging level, create an AI helper for a player.  I know that part
of the challenge of the game is management and that AI aides are
generally regarded as 'cheating', but not everyone plays for
relaxation.  An AI helper is a stepping stone to a full AI player.
Freeciv contains several low level "AI" helpers currently, expanding
their roles is a tough problem, but it is easier than the "better AI"
problem.