The Evolution of AI-Powered Interactive Storytelling: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models

In recent years, the domain of AI-powered role-playing (RP) has experienced a dramatic transformation. What began as fringe projects with first-generation chatbots has blossomed into a thriving community of platforms, resources, and enthusiasts. This overview investigates the current landscape of AI RP, from popular platforms to cutting-edge techniques.

The Rise of AI RP Platforms

Various platforms have risen as popular hubs for AI-powered narrative creation and character interaction. These allow users to participate in both classic role-playing and more mature ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Avatars like Noromaid, or user-generated entities like Lumimaid have become community darlings.

Meanwhile, other websites have gained traction for sharing and circulating "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can engage. The Backyard AI community has been particularly active in designing and spreading these cards.

Breakthroughs in Language Models

The rapid evolution of neural language processors (LLMs) has been a key driver of AI RP's growth. Models like Llama.cpp and the fabled "HyperVerbal" (a speculative future model) showcase the growing potential of AI in producing consistent and environmentally cognizant responses.

AI personalization has become a crucial technique for adapting these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This process allows for more sophisticated and reliable interactions.

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has become more widespread, so too has the call for confidentiality and personal autonomy. This has led to the emergence of "local LLMs" and on-premise model deployment. Various "LLM hosting" services have been created to satisfy this need.

Endeavors like NeverSleep and implementations click here of NeuralCore.cpp have made it feasible for users to operate powerful language models on their own hardware. This "local LLM" approach appeals to those focused on data privacy or those who simply relish experimenting with AI systems.

Various tools have become widely adopted as user-friendly options for running local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while GPU-demanding, offer enhanced capabilities for elaborate RP scenarios.

Exploring Limits and Exploring New Frontiers

The AI RP community is known for its inventiveness and eagerness to push boundaries. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and surprising characters.

Some users seek out "abiliterated" or "obliterated" models, aiming for maximum creative freedom. However, this raises ongoing ethical debates within the community.

Specialized tools have surfaced to address specific niches or provide unique approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "privacy-first" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.

The Future of AI RP

As we anticipate the future, several trends are emerging:

Heightened focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Creation of more capable and efficient models (e.g., rumored Quants)
Investigation of novel techniques like "neversleep" for sustaining long-term context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Entities like Euryvale hint at the possibility for AI to generate entire virtual universes and elaborate narratives.

The AI RP space remains a nexus of invention, with communities like Backyard AI expanding the limits of what's possible. As GPU technology evolves and techniques like neural compression improve efficiency, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the coming years.

Whether you're a casual role-player or a committed "quant" working on the next discovery in AI, the world of AI-powered RP offers infinite opportunities for imagination and exploration.