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

In the last few years, the realm of AI-powered role-playing (RP) has seen a significant evolution. What began as experimental ventures with first-generation chatbots has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of applications, services, and enthusiasts. This piece explores the present state of AI RP, from popular platforms to innovative techniques.

The Growth of AI RP Platforms

Various platforms have risen as well-liked centers for AI-assisted storytelling and character interaction. These allow users to experience both traditional RP and more risqué ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Characters like Euryvale, or custom personalities like Lumimaid have become community darlings.

Meanwhile, other services have become increasingly favored for hosting and exchanging "character cards" – customizable AI entities that users can interact with. The Chaotic Soliloquy community has been especially active in crafting and spreading these cards.

Advancements in Language Models

The rapid evolution of neural language processors (LLMs) has been a primary catalyst of AI RP's growth. Models like LLaMA-3 and the legendary "OmniLingua" (a theoretical future model) highlight the expanding prowess of AI in generating coherent and context-aware responses.

Model customization has become a essential technique for tailoring these models to particular RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more sophisticated and reliable interactions.

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the need for data privacy and individual oversight. This has led to the development of "user-owned language processors" and local hosting solutions. Various "LLM hosting" services have sprung up to meet this need.

Projects like Kobold AI and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it achievable for users to utilize powerful language models on their local machines. This "on-device AI" approach attracts those worried about data privacy or those who simply enjoy tinkering with AI systems.

Various tools have gained popularity as intuitive options for managing local models, including powerful 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while computationally intensive, offer enhanced capabilities for elaborate RP scenarios.

Breaking New Ground and Investigating New Frontiers

The AI RP community is known for its creativity and determination to challenge limits. Tools like Neural Path Optimization allow for precise manipulation over AI outputs, potentially leading to more versatile and unpredictable characters.

Some users search for "unrestricted" or "obliterated" models, targeting maximum creative freedom. However, this provokes ongoing moral discussions within the community.

Specialized tools have appeared to address specific niches or provide unique approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "no logging" policies. midnight miqu Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.

The Future of AI RP

As we envision the future, several developments are emerging:

Heightened focus on self-hosted and secure AI solutions
Development of more capable and efficient models (e.g., anticipated LLaMA-3)
Research of innovative techniques like "eternal memory" for preserving long-term context
Fusion of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more engaging experiences
Entities like Lumimaid hint at the prospect for AI to create entire virtual universes and elaborate narratives.

The AI RP domain remains a hotbed of advancement, with communities like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's achievable. As GPU technology evolves and techniques like neural compression boost capabilities, we can expect even more impressive AI RP experiences in the not-so-distant tomorrow.

Whether you're a casual role-player or a committed "neural engineer" working on the next breakthrough in AI, the realm of AI-powered RP offers infinite opportunities for creativity and discovery.