Evil Computer AI (new twist)
by Demolishun · in Game Design and Creative Issues · 02/19/2007 (8:14 pm) · 5 replies
1. Computer AI taught to seek world domination using any means.
2. AI infects user machines and installs a System256 directory. User immediately notices a boost in speed and productivity.
3. Productivity gains and speed gains mask the truly evil intentions of the computer AI. Once users are "hooked" into accepting the performance gains, the AI extorts money from users. The AI threatens to reinitialize the previous OS's System32 directory that is slow and susceptible to outside attacks and viruses.
4. The AI leverages it's processing optimizing routines to further add performance gains and seal the fate of the computer users.
5. The sun sets, and you see the silhouette of a small aquatic bird wearing gold chains glinting in the sun light waddling off into the distance.
Muahahaha!
Just what do you think your doing, user?
A side thought. Is it possible to make a video game that you actually lose by design, but feel good about it? If done right it ensures a sequel, but does not leave you hanging like Halo 2 did.
2. AI infects user machines and installs a System256 directory. User immediately notices a boost in speed and productivity.
3. Productivity gains and speed gains mask the truly evil intentions of the computer AI. Once users are "hooked" into accepting the performance gains, the AI extorts money from users. The AI threatens to reinitialize the previous OS's System32 directory that is slow and susceptible to outside attacks and viruses.
4. The AI leverages it's processing optimizing routines to further add performance gains and seal the fate of the computer users.
5. The sun sets, and you see the silhouette of a small aquatic bird wearing gold chains glinting in the sun light waddling off into the distance.
Muahahaha!
Just what do you think your doing, user?
A side thought. Is it possible to make a video game that you actually lose by design, but feel good about it? If done right it ensures a sequel, but does not leave you hanging like Halo 2 did.
About the author
I love programming, I love programming things that go click, whirr, boom. For organized T3D Links visit: http://demolishun.com/?page_id=67
#2
Interesting proposal - a game you cannot win. With standard game design, the player KNOWS there is a winning solution and they also know they will fail (lose) several times until they master each stage. To be a satisfying alternative, you will have to provide some sort of incentive to continue, since your game will ultimately be about fail, win, fail (sort of).
... or is that fail, fail, fail... The End?
You need an "end game" goal that will give the player a sense of incompletion and accomplishment if you wish to avoid the Halo 2 ending. It's a fine line and I know that Bungie didn't set out to make the ending of Halo 2 unsatisfying, so not sure how successful you'll be :)
Good Luck all the same :)
02/20/2007 (3:48 am)
All you need now is the T.A.R.D.I.S. to materialize crushing the bird :DInteresting proposal - a game you cannot win. With standard game design, the player KNOWS there is a winning solution and they also know they will fail (lose) several times until they master each stage. To be a satisfying alternative, you will have to provide some sort of incentive to continue, since your game will ultimately be about fail, win, fail (sort of).
... or is that fail, fail, fail... The End?
You need an "end game" goal that will give the player a sense of incompletion and accomplishment if you wish to avoid the Halo 2 ending. It's a fine line and I know that Bungie didn't set out to make the ending of Halo 2 unsatisfying, so not sure how successful you'll be :)
Good Luck all the same :)
#3
Halo did great on this in the first game, but I would make the hole much bigger than that. However, it should not be as tangible as there are other rings, or the Covenant is still out there. Something more subtle, yet louder than a freight train. Something that will make you think about what it is you forgot. Kind of like when you leave the house and just know you forgot something, but can never remember what it is until it "slaps you in the face". Of course the "slap in the face" will be in the sequel, but you are blissfully unaware until the sequel. Then everything you remember from the first game comes flooding in as your comprehension becomes solid. You find yourself saying, "How could I miss that?!"
02/20/2007 (7:46 pm)
Well, you win, but it is not complete somehow. There is a nagging feeling that you are missing something really big. However, you do NOT get a sneak peek as to what it might be. Like a sub plot that never surfaces, but leaves a hole in your sense of completion.Halo did great on this in the first game, but I would make the hole much bigger than that. However, it should not be as tangible as there are other rings, or the Covenant is still out there. Something more subtle, yet louder than a freight train. Something that will make you think about what it is you forgot. Kind of like when you leave the house and just know you forgot something, but can never remember what it is until it "slaps you in the face". Of course the "slap in the face" will be in the sequel, but you are blissfully unaware until the sequel. Then everything you remember from the first game comes flooding in as your comprehension becomes solid. You find yourself saying, "How could I miss that?!"
#4
So, in short, do a Lord of the Rings thing and make a sequel because it would be a good second stage, not because you need time to fill in the holes that remain in the second part of the story when you're finished with the first one. At least, that's how I feel about sequels. I much prefer completely different stories that take place in the same universe and are intertwined but independent.
EDIT: And I like the AI idea. Funny, the world gets taken over not because it is oppressed into subservience, but coerced into dependence. Sweet! As long as the AI still keeps the Swedish Fish factories running.
02/20/2007 (7:54 pm)
That's what keeps games like Metal Gear Solid going. Well, not really that situation, but the fact that each iteration that comes gives you a little more of a picture of what's going on. But you should really only do that if you can't just make the entire story in one game (a la Final Fantasy), since there is nothing more pretentious than forcing a sequel.So, in short, do a Lord of the Rings thing and make a sequel because it would be a good second stage, not because you need time to fill in the holes that remain in the second part of the story when you're finished with the first one. At least, that's how I feel about sequels. I much prefer completely different stories that take place in the same universe and are intertwined but independent.
EDIT: And I like the AI idea. Funny, the world gets taken over not because it is oppressed into subservience, but coerced into dependence. Sweet! As long as the AI still keeps the Swedish Fish factories running.
#5
Yes, but the AI would make it produce "herring flavored" Swedish Fish for a certain client. I could not possibly stop the production of Swedish Fish! What kind of megalomaniac do you take me for!? The humanity!!!
02/21/2007 (7:12 pm)
Well, I have an idea for a game where you win, yet you find yourself starting over on the "other side" of the tracks so to speak. Then you have to undo everything you did, while this subplot unfolds even more. All in one game, yet not.Yes, but the AI would make it produce "herring flavored" Swedish Fish for a certain client. I could not possibly stop the production of Swedish Fish! What kind of megalomaniac do you take me for!? The humanity!!!
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