The Advancement of AI-Powered Role-Playing: From Fimbulvetr to Local 70B Models
In the past decade, the realm of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has seen a significant evolution. What originated as experimental ventures with early language models has blossomed into a dynamic landscape of applications, resources, and communities. This article explores the present state of AI RP, from widely-used tools to innovative techniques.
The Emergence of AI RP Platforms
Various services have come to prominence as well-liked focal points for AI-enhanced fiction writing and immersive storytelling. These allow users to experience both traditional RP and more adult-oriented ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Characters like Noromaid, or custom personalities like Midnight Miqu have become community darlings.
Meanwhile, other services have grown in popularity for hosting and sharing "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can converse with. The Backyard AI community has been especially active in creating and sharing these cards.
Breakthroughs in Language Models
The swift development of large language models (LLMs) has been a primary catalyst of AI RP's expansion. Models like LLaMA-3 and the mythical "HyperVerbal" (a theoretical future model) showcase the expanding prowess of AI in producing coherent and environmentally cognizant responses.
Model customization has become a crucial technique for adapting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This approach allows for more sophisticated and consistent interactions.
The Movement for Privacy and Control
As AI RP has become more widespread, so too has the demand for data privacy and personal autonomy. This has led to the emergence of "private LLMs" and self-hosted AI options. Various "LLM hosting" services have emerged to address this need.
Projects like Undi and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it possible for users to utilize powerful language models on their personal devices. This "local LLM" approach attracts those concerned about data privacy or more info those who simply relish tinkering with AI systems.
Various tools have grown in favor as user-friendly options for managing local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while computationally intensive, offer improved performance for complex RP scenarios.
Exploring Limits and Venturing into New Frontiers
The AI RP community is known for its innovation and determination to push boundaries. Tools like Cognitive Vector Control allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more versatile and surprising characters.
Some users seek out "uncensored" or "enhanced" models, targeting maximum creative freedom. However, this raises ongoing moral discussions within the community.
Niche tools have surfaced to cater to 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 envision the future, several patterns are emerging:
Increased focus on self-hosted and secure AI solutions
Creation of more sophisticated and streamlined models (e.g., anticipated Quants)
Exploration of novel techniques like "neversleep" for maintaining long-term context
Integration of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Characters like Poppy Porpoise hint at the possibility for AI to generate entire imaginary realms and expansive narratives.
The AI RP space remains a hotbed of innovation, with communities like IkariDev pushing the boundaries of what's possible. As GPU technology advances and techniques like quantization improve efficiency, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the not-so-distant tomorrow.
Whether you're a curious explorer or a committed "AI researcher" working on the next breakthrough in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers infinite opportunities for creativity and discovery.