The Progression of AI-Driven Role-Playing: From Norse Legends to Local 70B Models
In the past decade, the realm of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has undergone a dramatic transformation. What originated as fringe projects with early language models has developed into a thriving community of tools, services, and communities. This piece explores the existing environment of AI RP, from widely-used tools to groundbreaking techniques.
The Emergence of AI RP Platforms
Various tools have emerged as favored hubs for AI-enhanced fiction writing and role-play. These allow users to experience both traditional RP and more mature ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Personas like Noromaid, or original creations like Poppy Porpoise have become popular choices.
Meanwhile, other platforms have grown in popularity for sharing and circulating "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can converse with. The Chaotic Soliloquy community has been particularly active in designing and spreading these cards.
Breakthroughs in Language Models
The accelerated development of large language models (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's expansion. Models like Llama.cpp and the legendary "HyperVerbal" (a hypothetical future model) highlight the expanding prowess of AI in creating logical and context-aware responses.
Fine-tuning has become a crucial technique for adapting these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This approach allows for more refined and stable interactions.
The Movement for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the need for data privacy and personal autonomy. This has led to the emergence of "local LLMs" and on-premise model deployment. Various "Model Deployment" services have emerged to address this need.
Projects like Kobold AI and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it feasible for users to operate powerful language models on their own hardware. This "self-hosted model" approach resonates with those worried about data privacy or those who simply enjoy tinkering with AI systems.
Various tools have grown in favor as accessible options for running local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while computationally intensive, offer superior results for intricate RP scenarios.
Pushing Boundaries and Venturing into New Frontiers
The AI RP community is recognized for its creativity and determination to push boundaries. Tools like Cognitive Vector Control allow for precise manipulation over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and surprising characters.
Some users pursue "uncensored" or "enhanced" models, targeting maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing philosophical conversations within the community.
Niche tools have emerged to serve specific niches or provide alternative approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "privacy-first" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai ollama are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.
The Future of AI RP
As we envision the future, several trends are taking shape:
Heightened focus on self-hosted and secure AI solutions
Advancement of more powerful and optimized models (e.g., speculated Quants)
Investigation of groundbreaking techniques like "neversleep" for preserving long-term context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike 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 hotbed of invention, with communities like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's achievable. As GPU technology evolves and techniques like quantization enhance performance, we can expect even more impressive AI RP experiences in the coming years.
Whether you're a curious explorer or a dedicated "AI researcher" working on the next discovery in AI, the world of AI-powered RP offers limitless potential for innovation and exploration.